Vicinity Motor Corp. and ADASTEC to Pioneer Automated Transit Buses at Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 5, 2023 / Vicinity Motor Corp. (NASDAQ:VEV)(TSXV:VMC) ("Vicinity" or the "Company"), a North American supplier of commercial electric vehicles, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to deploy an SAE level-4 automated electric bus, the Vicinity Autonomous Lightning EV, at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus in conjunction with automated driving software platform provider ADASTEC Corporation.

Per the terms of the agreement, the vehicle deployment will take place at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus in mid-2024, showcasing Vicinity's next-generation electric transit bus outfitted with ADASTEC's cutting edge automated transportation technology. The deployment is part of the Buffalo All Access: In and Around BNMC Project, a new initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) under the ITS4US program.

Adel W. Sadek, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University at Buffalo and lead of the UB team overseeing the development of the Self-Driving Automated Bus component of the ITS4US Buffalo All Access project, emphasized the transformative nature of this partnership: "We are very excited to be working with ADASTEC and Vicinity Motor Corp. on what we view as a truly transformative project that aims to improve mobility for all ages and abilities in our region. The electric, self-driving automated bus that ADASTEC proposed to deploy in Buffalo includes an onboard attendant and other features to enhance accessibility and overall trip experience for travelers with disabilities. In addition, ADASTEC's prior experience with operating self-driving automated buses in Michigan and Norway gives us confidence that their vehicle will be better equipped to handle Buffalo's harsh winter conditions."

Dr. Ali, Chief Executive Officer of ADASTEC, articulates the significance of this project: "Winning the ITS4US Project at the University at Buffalo will bring us closer to our goal of deploying accessible, modern, and clean transportation to underserved communities. We believe that this project, in partnership with Vicinity, will serve as a scalable example throughout the nation."

ADASTEC's North America Product Management Director Cemre Kavvasoglu added: "We're excited to partner with Vicinity Motor Corp. and the University at Buffalo to create the first FMVSS, ADA, and Buy America compliant automated bus in the nation through our ITS4US tender win."