Bolt and Stellantis launch the first European fleet of robotaxis, testing starts next year

The first tests will start later. 2026 in selected European cities, where the foundations for future robotaxi services will be laid. Bolt openly says that his long-term goal is to have around 100,000 autonomous vehicles on his platform by 2035, which would completely change the way people and goods move in cities. In the first phase, vehicles will be introduced gradually, from prototypes and smaller pilot fleets to wider industrial application, with the initial goal of mass production around 2029.

Stellantis enters this project with its AV Ready Platforms, special vehicles and platforms designed to support level 4 autonomous driving. The medium-sized eK0 platform and the new STLA small platform, which combine advanced computers, flexible design and a whole range of sensors necessary for driverless driving, stand out. Bolt, for its part, brings the experience of transportation on demand in more than 50 countries and 23 EU member states, and millions of users who they use its app for driving and renting micromobility.

The companies emphasize that everything will be done in close cooperation with European regulators, so that the tests and subsequent expansion are fully aligned with security standards, data protection and cyber security. Markus Villig, founderč and the CEO of Bolt, says that the partnership brings together two companies that well understand the specificities of European cities and rules, and that they want to develop a solution that can be used by millions of people, while staying within the framework of European standards. Antonio Filosa, CEO of Stellantis, adds that autonomous fleets can help reduce traffic congestion and emissions by encouraging shared, optimized mobility instead of personal car ownership.

Bolt, who in Croatia moreć has been operating as the market leader in on-demand driving and car rental for seven years, with this move it clearly signals that it is counting on a future in which part of the driver will be replaced by software. If the plans work out, in ten years robot taxis in European cities could be as normal as today’s Bolt driving that you order by touching the screen.