ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a groundbreaking achievement, engineering students at NED University have successfully developed Pakistan’s first driverless electric vehicle, a technological marvel that promises to capture significant attention in the country’s transportation landscape.
The self-driving car, designed to independently navigate to any specified destination, showcases a technology that has already been implemented internationally. However, the students have tailored it to overcome unique challenges posed by Pakistan’s road conditions.
The vehicle has been specifically engineered to detect and adapt to potholes and uneven surfaces, ensuring smoother and safer rides despite the country’s often difficult road infrastructure.
According to the team’s faculty supervisor, the potential of this innovation goes far beyond urban transport. “This technology could revolutionize intercity travel, making it safer, more efficient, and ultimately more accessible,” he said.
Moreover, the supervisor highlighted that the self-driving system could be applied to a range of vehicles, from heavy-duty trucks to buses and coaches, presenting a transformative opportunity for Pakistan’s entire transportation sector.
This project is the latest in a series of impressive feats by NED University students. In 2021, they had already made waves by creating Pakistan’s second Formula Electric Sports car, a project that cost around Rs 3.5 million. The car was designed to achieve speeds of up to 120 km/h, with an average speed of 60 to 70 km/h, though the team faced several hurdles in refining its battery backup and motor systems.
For one of the students involved, developing the Formula Electric Sports car was more than just a technical challenge. “It was a dream of the engineering department’s seniors to build the second Formula Electric Sports car for Pakistan. The first one was made by NUST, and we were determined to push the limits further,” he said.
This new self-driving vehicle represents a bold leap forward, and the students at NED University are eager to see how their innovation could shape the future of transport in Pakistan.
