Local Motors Debuts Autonomous Shuttle on California Campus
Sacramento State will have use of two Olli shuttles, which are the first co-created, self-driving, electric vehicles designed to transport small groups at low speeds.

Sacramento State’s entry, developed in cooperation with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, was selected by a panel of judges as the most viable among the field of entries due in part to its proposed use and the population of riders it will serve.
Photo courtesy of Local Motors.
Local Motors introduced its self-driving shuttle known as Olli to the California-based campus of Sacramento State. The arrival of the autonomous shuttle on campus is the result of Sacramento State competing in and winning an Olli fleet challenge for presenting a best-use scenario for the eight-person vehicle.
Sacramento State will have use of two Olli shuttles, which are the first co-created, self-driving, electric vehicles designed to transport small groups at low speeds. The shuttle is equipped with cognitive response technology, utilizes sensors and cameras throughout the vehicle, and relies on a first-of-its-kind obstacle-avoidance system.
Sacramento State’s entry, developed in cooperation with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, was selected by a panel of judges as the most viable among the field of entries due in part to its proposed use and the population of riders it will serve.
Local Motors officials, in cooperation with Sacramento State, have mapped a route that the Olli shuttles will use for the next few months.
While the Olli shuttles will be on campus at Sacramento State, they will be available for use by members of the public who want to give the autonomous vehicle a try.
The Olli shuttle deployment at the university comes as Local Motors prepares to award a deployment for its second fleet challenge, this time in the Washington, D.C. area, and begins receiving applications for its first international fleet challenge, which is open to all of Australia. Additional fleet challenges will be announced in the coming months.
More Fleet Forward

What Fleet Managers Learned from IIHS Crash Testing
Fleet Forward Conference attendees witnessed a live crash test at IIHS’s site, explored vehicle safety technology, and learned how IIHS research can inform fleet purchasing decisions.
Read More →
What Happened at Fleet Forward Conference 2026?
Here's what happened at this year's Fleet Forward conference, all in photo form.
Read More →
Chad Edmondson Named 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner
The VSC Fire & Security fleet director oversees more than 1,100 assets nationwide. His approach to improving driver safety emphasizes collaboration, employee engagement, and building trust with the people behind the wheel.
Read More →
Joseph Lukacs Wins 2026 Global Fleet Manager of the Year
The Sherwin-Williams fleet leader adds another industry honor to his career after being named the 2025 Edward J. Bobit Professional Fleet Manager of the Year.
Read More →

Erin Gilchrist Receives Mike Antich Spirit of Fleet Award
Last week at AFLA in Vegas, Erin Gilchrist received the inaugural, brand-new Spirit of Fleet Award.
Read More →
Dominika Leja Named the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year
The AstraZeneca associate director of fleet was recognized for her leadership in fleet electrification, cost savings, and operational transformation.
Read More →
Jamie McKay Named the 2026 Fleet Visionary Award Winner
The Aptive Pest Control fleet manager was recognized for her approach to operations, data, lifecycle management, and driver needs.
Read More →
Fleet Forward Conference Introduces One-Day Passes for 2026
New one-day registration gives fleet professionals the flexibility to attend Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, with passes available for $199 through Sept. 18.
Read More →
Vibe Coding: When Fleet Managers Become Software Builders
Five fleet professionals — none with programming skills — discuss how they’re using AI to build fleet solutions in-house and in a fraction of the time.
Read More →