#Technical Textiles

2026-02-19

Covestro showcases monomaterial concept in autonomous SUE People Mover

The People Mover at its world premiere. Clearly visible is the large polycarbonate windshield. One of several materials contributed by Covestro. © UE | STUDIOS

UE | STUDIOS has unveiled the fully autonomous electric minibus “Self-driving Urban E-Shuttle” (SUE), placing strong emphasis on sustainable material design. Developed within a project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and the European Union, the vehicle will begin public road testing this year. At the core of the concept is the consistent use of recyclable monomaterials to improve circularity at end of life.

Focus on recyclable monomaterials

For the first time in an automotive interior, the fully recyclable monomaterial Arfinio® is being used. The lightweight material combines a stone-like appearance with high mechanical durability and resistance to wear and UV radiation.

The seating system also follows a mono-material approach. TPU-based solutions made of Desmopan® AIR provide comfort, abrasion resistance and easy cleaning — key requirements for vehicles operating continuously in public transport.

Design for circularity

In addition to interior applications, Covestro supplies polycarbonate solutions for large-scale glazing and sensor integration. During the development phase, recycling considerations were integrated into both interior and exterior material selection, using three recyclable monomaterials: Arfinio®, TPU and polycarbonate.

By reducing material complexity and focusing on clearly defined material streams, the SUE People Mover demonstrates how circular design principles can be embedded into overall vehicle architecture — extending sustainability beyond propulsion to the material concept itself.

Covestro is also represented in the interior: With TPU monomaterial in the seats, or the stone-like material Arfinio. © UE | STUDIOS

"With SUE, we pursued a user- and design-centered approach from the beginning," says Alexander Uedelhoven, founder and project manager of SUE and authorized signatory at UE | STUDIOS. "We wanted to develop not just a technologically advanced vehicle, but one optimally aligned with passenger needs in terms of service, information, ergonomics, and aesthetics. The materials and extensive technical expertise from Covestro gave us the freedom to implement this vision without compromises."

The project was realized in collaboration with renowned partners, including the Institute for Automotive Engineering of the Lower Saxony Research Centre for Automotive Technology (NFF), TÜV Nord, the Fraunhofer Institute EMFT, and Deutsche Bahn (DB Regio).

As initiator, project manager and vehicle manufacturer, UE | STUDIOS are responsible for the overall concept, complete development, design and production of the SUE People Mover.