Alstom is investing $14.8 million, and thus taking a minority stake, in EasyMile, an innovative start-up company developing the EZ10 electric driverless shuttle. The investment forms part of the start-up’s ongoing capital increase.

In parallel, Alstom and EasyMile have signed a commercial partnership agreement aiming at joining their forces to provide integrated solutions for urban transportation. Alstom will be present at EasyMile’s board.

The EZ10 provides shared driverless transportation for the last mile. EasyMile electrical shuttles operate from a transport hub to a final destination within a precinct or confined area. EasyMile shuttles transport up to 12 passengers. Since April 2015, the EZ10 has been deployed in more than 50 sites in 14 countries in Asia, North-America, Middle-East, and Europe. The exceptional experience and lessons learned through all these projects is continuously integrated in EasyMile products and solutions.

“In the frame of its 2020 strategy, Alstom has decided to explore adjacent businesses, especially in the context of digitalization. Through this investment, Alstom expands its knowledge into the driverless technologies and pursues its development in the growing field of smart mobility. We are confident in the success of the EZ10, already tested in different climates and conditions,” declares Bruno Marguet, head of strategy at Alstom.

The funds provided by Alstom will be used to accelerate the company growth and support the R&D program. Additionally, EasyMile will benefit from Alstom’s network to increase its global reach.

Founded in 2014, EasyMile is a high-tech start-up specialized in providing both software powering autonomous vehicles and smart mobility solutions. It is based in Toulouse, Singapore, and Denver and employs today 60 employees.