SUE People Mover: Sustainable materials for mobility

Plastics Sustainable Materials for the Mobility of the Future

2026-02-26 Source: Covestro | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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UE Studios has officially unveiled the "Self-driving Urban E-Shuttle" (SUE) - a fully autonomous, electric minibus that is set to redefine the future of public transportation. On board are sustainable materials from Covestro.

The People Mover at its world premiere. The large polycarbonate windshield is clearly visible. One of several materials contributed by Covestro.(Image: UE | STUDIOS) — The People Mover at its world premiere. The large polycarbonate windshield is clearly visible. One of several materials contributed by Covestro.
(Image: UE | STUDIOS)

The so-called People Mover, which will operate in public traffic for test purposes this year at speeds of up to 50 km/h (~31 mph), is the result of a project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and the European Union.
"The People Mover is more than just a vehicle—it's a showcase for the future of mobility," explains Jochen Hardt, Head of Global Marketing Mobility at Covestro. "It also vividly demonstrates the 'Material Effect,' for example, in the 381 cm (~150 inches) windshield made of polycarbonate. We also considered recycling in the design, working inside and out with Arfinio, TPU, and polycarbonate using three recyclable mono-materials."

Material Effects for the Major Trends in Mobility

The materials used in the People Mover showcase Covestro's Material Effects and include, for example, Makrolon AG for the 381 cm (~150 inches) panoramic glazing. This polycarbonate solution can also be provided by Covestro using mass-balanced raw materials from post-consumer waste.

For the autonomous driving systems, opaque yet sensor-transparent Makrolon AX ST is used for multi-sensor system covers. This solution allows for seamless and invisible integration of sensor technology while providing resistance against vandalism and stone chipping.

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

In the interior, the lightweight and fully recyclable mono-material Arfinio is used for the first time in a vehicle. This material combines a stone-like appearance and feel with high resistance to mechanical stress, UV radiation, and wear. Recycling was also considered in the upholstery, following a consistent mono-material approach. Printed TPU-based solutions made from Desmopan AIR provide high seating comfort while offering excellent abrasion resistance and easy cleaning—a crucial factor for vehicles in continuous public transport operation.

About the SUE Project

SUE (Self-driving Urban E-Shuttle) is an autonomously driving, fully electric people mover that shapes the public transport of tomorrow. The vehicle has been newly developed from the ground up and serves as a "Made in Germany" flagship project for technological sovereignty and sustainable mobility. SUE is initiated and led by UE | STUDIOS. The consortium includes ten partners: DB Regio, ElringKlinger AG, Faissner Petermeier Fahrzeugtechnik AG, TÜV NORD Mobility, Fraunhofer EMFT, Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences, Lower Saxony Research Center for Vehicle Technology, the District of Kelheim, and IFG Ingolstadt. The project is funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union, with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy as the grantor, based on a resolution by the German Bundestag.

Mono-Materials Facilitate Recycling

The use of mono-materials generally eases recycling at the end of the lifecycle and supports SUE's commitment to considering sustainability not only in the drive system but throughout the entire vehicle architecture. "With SUE, we have pursued a user-centered and strongly design-oriented approach from the very 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 that is optimally aligned with the passengers' needs in terms of service, information, ergonomics, and aesthetics. The materials and extensive technical expertise from Covestro have given us the freedom to realize this vision without compromise."

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