Nissan was awarded for its evolvAD autonomous driving initiative, winning the Collaborate to Innovate (C2i) Awards 2025 Automotive Prize, presented by The Engineer magazine. The recognition highlights the engineering work developed by the brand in advancing autonomous driving technologies.
evolvAD project stands out in automotive innovation
The award was presented at the Institution of Civil Engineers, with the support of the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), and recognizes the contribution of the Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) and its partners in the evolution of autonomous and connected vehicles.
The project addresses one of the main challenges of the automotive industry: ensuring that these systems are reliable, safe, and viable for everyday use. At the same time, it contributes to strengthening the supply chain in the United Kingdom, essential for the future commercial implementation of these solutions.
Real-world testing reinforces development
According to Robert Bateman, head of the evolvAD project at Nissan, one of the most remarkable moments was observing a Nissan LEAF driving autonomously in urban and rural environments, showcasing the progress made.
The project utilized the second generation of the Nissan LEAF, equipped with advanced autonomous driving systems, with a safety driver on board. The tests were conducted in demanding scenarios, including narrow urban areas and rural roads with little signage, allowing for the evaluation of performance in real conditions.
Collaboration between industry, academia, and government
evolvAD results from a consortium of five partners, technically led by Nissan, and was jointly funded by the public and private sectors. The investment includes a £100 million British government fund dedicated to smart mobility, managed by the CCAV and implemented by Innovate UK.
In addition to Nissan, the project involves entities such as Connected Places Catapult, Humanising Autonomy, SBD Automotive, and TRL, which contribute in areas such as artificial intelligence, vulnerable user perception, cybersecurity, and system validation.
Continuity of previous projects and global vision
evolvAD continues previous initiatives by Nissan in the UK, such as the HumanDrive and ServCity projects, reinforcing the brand’s strategy for safer, more sustainable, and accessible mobility.
Through this collaborative approach, Nissan aims not only to develop autonomous driving technologies but also to prepare the industrial ecosystem to compete in a rapidly evolving global context.
New LEAF is getting ready to hit the market
The project was developed based on the previous generation of the Nissan LEAF; however, it has been replaced by a new version that has already been presented and is expected to arrive in the Portuguese market.
