As part of the DRIVE. Forum in Berlin, VW Group presented the OnePod oncept – a fully autonomous electric pod with a configurable interior. OnePod was created in VW Group’s Design Center at Potsdam, showing the company’s vision for the future of urban mobility.
The “One” in the name stands for “One Solution for all” hinting at multiple uses for the vehicle. The pictured example is designed as a robotaxi, since VW wants to become a service provider in the future.
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Visually, the One has an aerodynamic one-box silhouette with big glass surfaces, covered wheels, and sculpted body panels. The LED light strips on both ends are communicating with other road users through signals and warnings. There is also a foldable bike rack at the back, allowing passengers to take their bicycles with them.
The configurable cabin has plenty of space and great visibility; in this version, it can accommodate up to four passengers. Controls are integrated into the armrests and a large screen displays information during the trip.
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When parked, the vehicle detects the curb’s height and automatically lowers its floor. This means that parents with baby strollers and people with disabilities on wheelchairs can easily access the interior through the large sliding doors. A roof-mounted camera recognizes passengers, opening the doors automatically when they approach.
A full-scale prototype of the OnePod will be exhibited until December 31, 2021, in the DRIVE.’s “Go.City – The Future of Urban Mobility” exhibition in Berlin.
