Self-driving cars just took a big step forward in the UK, thanks to a Nissan-led project testing autonomous EVs on real roads—including tricky residential streets and single-track country lanes.
The project, called EvolvAD, was partly funded by the government’s £100m Intelligent Mobility fund. It explored whether a fleet of self-driving Nissan Leafs could operate safely outside cities, using local infrastructure like CCTV to improve situational awareness—something known as vehicle-to-infrastructure tech.
One of the key goals was to see what kind of tech AVs (autonomous vehicles) would need to handle more complex, winding rural roads.
This was the final stage of an eight-year research program that also included the HumanDrive and ServCity projects, which focused on self-driving tech in busier urban areas. Those earlier trials helped shape the future of robotaxis in UK cities.
Over the eight years, Nissan’s self-driving Leafs clocked up 16,000 miles across motorways, city streets, and countryside roads—without a single recorded accident.
David Moss, Nissan’s R&D boss, called the trial “tremendously successful” and emphasised that self-driving tech is a key part of Nissan’s Ambition 2030 strategy. He highlighted the benefits, including "vehicle safety, environmental impact and accessibility.”
The full results of the EvolvAD trial will be published soon, but for now, Nissan is shifting its focus to getting UK cities ready for AVs. Project lead Robert Bateman said "We need to develop a 360-degree understanding of infrastructure and regulatory needs across the country, and provide critical insights to policy makers and urban planners to ensure a successful introduction of autonomous mobility services in the right way and at the right time."
Government officials are on board too. Industry Minister Sarah Jones MP said "The UK is home to a world-class automotive sector, and I'm pleased this project has brought autonomous vehicles one step closer to reality.
"Our Industrial Strategy will strengthen this industry, bringing growth, jobs and opportunities to every part of the UK."
Would you trust a self-driving car to navigate country lanes—or would you rather stay in control?
