Australian city Perth has been chosen as one of three cities in the world to host a trial of a new type of electric-powered autonomous vehicles called ‘Autonoms’ produced by French company NAVYA.

The trial will be run by the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC WA) in partnership with the Government of WA.

Expected to arrive in Perth in April next year, NAVYA’s vehicles will be trialled in a closed and controlled environment.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said: “It is important that our state is provided with a safe, cost-efficient and accessible mode of commuter transport.

“We will work closely with RAC and NAVYA to ensure the trial is a success, with the safety of the public being of the highest priority.”

“It is important that our state is provided with a safe, cost-efficient and accessible mode of commuter transport.”

For this trial, RAC WA and the state government will work together and identify potential locations for the initial trial.

They will also explore limited on-road public trial with a trained chaperone as part of future stages.

WA Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly said: “The autonomous vehicle revolution is coming and WA has the potential to be at the cutting edge of this new technology.

“High-tech new industries such as autonomous vehicles will be a source of the jobs of the future and I want to ensure this state is well placed to take advantage of these opportunities.”

According to the government, driverless vehicles offer a range of benefits that include increased efficiency, safety and reduced costs in road transportation. They also create new job opportunities attached to the autonomous vehicle industry.