We’ve heard Uber’s autonomous vehicle roadmap, but what is Bolt’s 2026 plans?
- Perry Richardson
- 34 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Bolt has outlined plans to begin large-scale deployment of autonomous vehicles in Europe from 2026, confirming a long-term ambition to host 100,000 driverless vehicles on its platform by 2035.
The company said it would take a “major step” towards that goal through a new partnership with automotive group Stellantis, focused on delivering Level 4 autonomous ride-hailing services across European markets.
Under the agreement, Stellantis’ AV-Ready Platforms™ will be integrated into Bolt’s ride-hailing network, enabling driverless vehicles to be deployed across more than 50 countries where the platform currently operates. Bolt said the collaboration is designed specifically around European operating conditions, regulatory frameworks and urban transport needs.
Real-world trials are scheduled to begin on European roads in 2026, with the partners aiming to progress towards industrial-scale production by 2029. No specific launch cities have yet been confirmed, with both companies indicating that deployments will depend on local regulatory approvals and testing outcomes.
European ride-hailing group targets 100,000 driverless vehicles on its platform by 2035 as real-world testing begins next year
Bolt positioned the partnership as a European-first approach to autonomous mobility, contrasting with US and China-led developments in the sector. The company said combining its operational scale with Stellantis’ vehicle platforms would create one of the region’s most competitive autonomous ride-hailing solutions.
Safety, reliability and cybersecurity will be central to the programme, according to Bolt. Both companies said they are working closely with EU regulators and national authorities to ensure testing, certification and deployment meet the highest European standards, including compliance with evolving autonomous vehicle legislation.
Markus Villig, founder and chief executive of Bolt, said the partnership reflected a shared understanding of European transport markets. He said: “This partnership brings together two companies who understand the specific dynamics of operating in Europe. By combining Stellantis’ AV-Ready Platforms™ and our operational expertise, we plan to create the best autonomous vehicle offering that is tailored for European needs, in line with European standards, that millions of people will be able to use. The partnership marks the next step in our ambition to have 100,000 autonomous vehicles on the Bolt platform by 2035.”
Bolt are among a growing group of mobility platforms seeking to transition towards autonomous operations, while highlighting the longer timelines still facing widespread commercial deployment in Europe. Regulatory complexity, infrastructure readiness and public acceptance remain key constraints, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
For transport operators and regulators, the move signals increasing pressure to prepare for mixed fleets of driver-driven and driverless vehicles over the coming decade. Bolt said its 2035 target of 100,000 autonomous vehicles would be achieved progressively, aligned with regulatory approvals and market readiness rather than rapid, nationwide rollouts.
