The Country to City Bridge 2 (C2CBridge 2) project explores new ways of connecting rural and urban areas through autonomous, electric mobility solutions. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Transport (BMV), the project focuses on real-world implementation and evaluation. The project runs from August 2024 to July 2026 with a total budget of €12.7 million.

Rural and urban areas often differ significantly in terms of mobility needs and available infrastructure. In many rural regions, public transport remains limited, and private vehicles are the dominant mode of transport. To promote sustainable, inclusive, and efficient mobility, new approaches are needed that bridge this divide. Autonomous electric vehicles offer promising solutions but their impact on traffic flow, infrastructure, and user acceptance must be evaluated under real conditions to ensure responsible deployment.

C2CBridge 2 aims to develop and validate a holistic mobility system that connects rural areas with urban centers. Key objectives include the automation and conversion of electric shuttle vehicles, the design of barrier-free and user-oriented interior concepts, the construction of a physical transfer station at the urban fringe, and the integration of digital twins for simulation and monitoring. A central research focus is the evaluation of platoon driving strategies, where multiple autonomous vehicles operate in close coordination to increase road efficiency and safety.

Our work investigates how autonomous vehicles in platoon formations affect surrounding traffic and the mobility experience of passengers. We combine virtual simulations with empirical studies to analyze the system’s effectiveness and societal acceptance. Traffic simulations are used to assess the impact of platooning on flow dynamics and interactions with conventional vehicles. Complementary user studies include behavioral observations, physiological measurements, and subjective feedback on trust, comfort, and perceived safety.