Heathrow Airport's autonomous cars (photos)
A closer look at the driverless electric cars shuttling passengers at Heathrow Airport.
Two electric cars at Heathrow Airport
Autonomous cars aren't the future--they're already here and in use in London. Heathrow Airport swapped two diesel buses for 22 electric pods that shuttle passengers from Terminal 5 to the parking lot without the help of a driver.
Pods at Terminal 5 awaiting passengers
Each electric pod can carry up to four passengers and their luggage.
Passengers requesting pods at Terminal 5
At the terminal, passengers request a pod and enter their destination to tell the pod where they want to go.
Pods traveling along dedicated roadway
In the pod, passengers don't have to worry about traffic or the pod's ability to navigate around cars because they travel on designated roadways, and it takes about 5-6 minutes to travel approximately 1.2 miles to the T5 Business Car Park.
A pod on a roadway at Healthrow Airport
The autonomous vehicles, made by Ultra PRT, have yet to be in an accident, according to an article in The New York Times.
Pods operating in snow
They operate at a top speed of around 25 mph, and can handle light snow.
A pod operating in snow
Because the electric vehicles operate only when needed, they're more energy-efficient than the pair of diesel buses that formerly looped the airport, stopping at every drop-off point regardless of the passenger load.
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?