Major Taxi Firm Launches Autonomous Vehicle Service in Europe

Leading mobility company Bolt is set to advance the European ride-hailing market by introducing autonomous vehicles through a new strategic partnership. The company, which operates widely across Europe and offers a suite of services including ride-hailing, electric scooter and bike rentals, and food delivery, is now adding self-driving cars to its offerings.

Bolt's latest initiative involves collaboration with Pony.ai, a prominent Chinese technology firm specializing in autonomous vehicle solutions. This partnership aims to deploy a fleet of robotaxis in European cities, with pilot programs scheduled to begin in 2026. Pony.ai brings extensive experience, operating over 700 autonomous vehicles globally and recording more than 55 million kilometers of test driving. The selection of Pony.ai as a partner followed a comprehensive evaluation process focused on technological readiness and scalability.

Europe is viewed as a rapidly growing and promising market for autonomous mobility solutions. Bolt's existing user base, which exceeds 200 million registered app users, positions the company favorably for the rollout of self-driving services. Rather than replacing human drivers, Bolt intends for autonomous vehicles to serve as a complement, particularly during periods of high demand or in locations where vehicle availability is limited at certain times. The company emphasizes the ongoing importance of its drivers and does not foresee a complete transition to driverless operations.

Potential use cases for the new fleet of autonomous vehicles include providing enhanced transportation options during peak hours, as well as specialized services such as non-emergency medical transport and school runs. The vehicles are expected to operate up to 20 hours per day, maximizing efficiency and availability. Bolt plans to secure long-term contracts with cities to support the necessary infrastructure investments and ensure sustainable operations.

Several Swedish cities are being considered for early pilot programs, although climate conditions present challenges for autonomous systems. Adverse weather, such as snow and slush, remains a technical hurdle for current robotic vehicle platforms, and further development is needed before large-scale deployment in Nordic environments can proceed.

The introduction of autonomous vehicles is guided by international standards for automation, which range from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (full automation). Bolt's new robotaxis are expected to operate at higher levels of automation, capable of fully autonomous driving within designated areas and conditions, without the need for human intervention.

The expansion of autonomous mobility services by Bolt marks a significant step in the evolution of urban transportation in Europe. As regulatory frameworks and technology continue to develop, the company anticipates that autonomous vehicles will become an increasingly common feature in the continent's cities, providing greater accessibility and new mobility solutions for both individuals and communities.