Bolt and Pony.ai join forces to launch robotaxis

Bolt, headquartered in the Estonian capital Tallinn, is preparing to offer autonomous ride services through a new partnership with Chinese robotaxi specialist Pony.ai. The two companies plan to combine Bolt’s large-scale ecosystem with Pony.ai’s technology for high-level automated driving.

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A Level-4 service designed for defined zones

The project centres on Level-4 autonomous vehicles, capable of operating without a human safety driver within clearly defined service areas. Remote supervision can be provided where necessary, but the ambition is to operate the cars fully driverless during regular service. Initial pilot cities are expected to include locations across Europe, with test operations scheduled to begin from 2026.

Pony.ai has not yet revealed which vehicle models it will deploy. Its existing robotaxi fleet includes the Toyota bZ4X and several Chinese-brand models. The company says it has already logged more than 55 million kilometres in testing and commercial service on public roads — experience that could help accelerate deployment in new markets.

Bolt expands beyond micro-mobility

Founded in 2013, Bolt has become one of Europe’s largest mobility platforms. The company is active in more than 50 countries and 600 cities, offering ride-hailing, carsharing, e-scooters and delivery services to more than 200 million customers. Introducing autonomous vehicles marks a strategic step toward broadening its technology portfolio and strengthening its competitive position against global players.

Bolt CEO Markus Villig emphasises the company’s strategic advantage as a European-born challenger in a global market. “As the only independent, European-founded ride-hailing platform competing globally, Bolt is uniquely positioned to help scale autonomous vehicles responsibly and efficiently, in full alignment with Europe’s safety and data standards.”

As European regulators gradually open the door to fully automated mobility offerings, the partnership between Bolt and Pony.ai positions both companies to play an early role in shaping the emerging robotaxi market. For Bolt, it is an opportunity to diversify its services; for Pony.ai, a chance to introduce its technology to a new region under real operating conditions.

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