Covestro Materials Enable World Premiere of Fully Autonomous SUE Electric 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

(IN BRIEF) Covestro has provided advanced polycarbonate and TPU-based materials for the SUE Self-driving Urban E-Shuttle, an autonomous electric minibus developed by UE | STUDIOS and unveiled at its world premiere. The project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the European Union, integrates a 381 cm panoramic polycarbonate windshield, sensor-compatible glazing solutions for ADAS systems, and recyclable monomaterial interior components including Arfinio® and TPU seating. Designed for sustainable public transport operation at speeds up to 50 km/h, the vehicle demonstrates how material innovation can support lightweight construction, sensor integration and circular economy principles across the entire mobility ecosystem.

(PRESS RELEASE) LEVERKUSEN, 17-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Covestro is contributing advanced material solutions to the newly unveiled Self-driving Urban E-Shuttle (SUE), an autonomous electric minibus developed by UE | STUDIOS and presented at its world premiere following its initial prototype showcase at the K trade fair. The People Mover represents a collaborative project supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the European Union, bringing together ten partners to advance next-generation public transport.

Designed for operation on public roads at speeds of up to 50 km/h, SUE combines autonomous driving technology with a strong sustainability focus embedded throughout the vehicle architecture. A standout feature is its 381-centimetre panoramic windshield made from large-scale polycarbonate glazing. The transparent structure not only enhances visibility and passenger experience but also demonstrates the application of advanced lightweight materials in mobility design.

Covestro supplied several key materials that reflect a consistent monomaterial and recycling-oriented concept. For the panoramic glazing, Makrolon® AG polycarbonate—produced using mass-balanced raw materials derived from post-consumer waste—was used. Sensor-transparent Makrolon® AX ST enables seamless integration of ADAS and multi-sensor systems behind opaque surfaces, allowing protective yet invisible installation of sensitive technologies while maintaining resistance to vandalism and stone impacts.

Inside the vehicle, Arfinio® is being used for the first time in an automotive application. This fully recyclable monomaterial offers a stone-like aesthetic combined with durability against UV exposure and mechanical stress. The seats are constructed using Desmopan® AIR TPU solutions, creating recyclable monomaterial seating that delivers comfort, abrasion resistance and ease of cleaning—essential characteristics for high-frequency public transit environments.

The project emphasizes sustainability beyond electric propulsion by incorporating recyclable materials across both interior and exterior components, facilitating easier end-of-life processing. Alongside UE | STUDIOS, development partners include the Institute for Automotive Engineering of the Lower Saxony Research Centre for Automotive Technology, TÜV Nord, Fraunhofer Institute EMFT and DB Regio. UE | STUDIOS led the overall concept, design, engineering and production of the autonomous shuttle.

About UE | STUDIOS:
UE | STUDIOS, headquartered in Gaimersheim and Munich, is a globally recognized company for design and engineering services with 7 locations and 21 studios. Since its founding in 1991, the company has established itself as a leading partner for national and international clients. The team of more than 200 employees realizes projects from the initial sketch to fully functional prototypes – ranging from vehicles to aviation to museum exhibitions. With more than 150 manufactured showcars, UE | STUDIOS is considered the world market leader in the production of fully functional vehicle prototypes.

About Covestro: 
Covestro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. Covestro supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from Covestro are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.

The company is geared completely to the circular economy. In addition, Covestro aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group’s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. Covestro generated sales of EUR 14.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. At the end of 2024, the company had 46 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,500 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).

Forward-Looking Statements 
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Covestro AG. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Covestro’s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Media Contact:

Markus Kleine-Beck
Head of Communications Europe
markus.kleine-beck@covestro.com
+49 173 2320 686

SOURCE: Covestro