Local Motors
An Olli vehicle outside Local Motors' microfactory in Knoxville. Credit: Local Motors.

US-based ground mobility company Local Motors has secured a vehicle tag to test and deploy autonomous vehicles in Knox County, Tennessee.

The tag was awarded by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, who met with the leadership team of Local Motors on Tuesday (9 March).

The company can now operate Olli, its autonomous electric vehicle (EV), on Valley Vista Road for testing purposes.

Olli will be the first autonomous vehicle to operate on public roads in the county. It is hoped that testing will allow it to learn in mixed-traffic settings supervised by a certified safety attendant.

Along with rigorous closed-course and simulation-based testing, environments such as public roads contribute data that can improve Olli’s safety and performance.

Mayor Jacobs said: “Local Motors is one of the companies helping to solidify Knox County’s position as an innovation hub. Autonomous vehicles are the future and we are thrilled that Knox County is at the forefront of witnessing and helping this type of innovation move forward.”

Local Motors president Vikrant Aggarwal said: “We’re excited to work closely with the Mayor to advance the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles in Knox County.

“We have been operating here for almost six years, and we look forward to expanding our presence as we continue to grow.”

Local Motors focuses on empowering communities through innovative and locally relevant vehicles. Founded in 2007, it has introduced the world’s first co-created vehicle and 3D-printed car as well as Olli.

The company plans to release an upgraded Olli model with new features, and to work closely with user groups and customers to generate value for passengers and customers.