Sweden-based company AstaZero is set to open the world’s longest indoor autonomous vehicle (AV) test track for all types of vehicles.

Named AstaZero Dry Zone, the track will be 700m long and 40m wide. It is due to open on 28 April.

AV manufacturers will be able to test vehicles all year round, with reproducible light and surfaces.

The company said that tests can be carried out repeatedly in the same light conditions and on the same surface, regardless of the time of day or season.

AstaZero CEO Peter Janevik said: “The tests and trials conducted by vehicle operators require plenty of personnel and result in excessive travel.

“In AstaZero Dry Zone, the development time can be streamlined and tests can be carried out 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) CEO Pia Sandvik said: “AstaZero Dry Zone will play an important role in the transition of the automotive industry.

“It will provide unique opportunities needed for the research, development and validation of self-driving and connected vehicles as well as the surrounding infrastructure.”

RISE is AstaZero’s parent company.

AstaZero said that it has customers around the world and that the industry had been asking for a long indoor track in Sweden for many years.

With Covid-19 restrictions, AV manufacturers have reportedly faced many obstacles to conduct important tests, which led the company to accelerate its plans to build the new track.

The Västra Götaland Region’s programme for sustainable transport is also offering $1.1m to support the initiative.