Stellantis and Bolt Collaborate to Roll Out Autonomous Vehicles Across Europe
Automotive giant Stellantis has entered into a strategic partnership with mobility service provider Bolt to jointly develop and deploy autonomous vehicles throughout Europe. The collaboration aims to integrate Stellantis' advanced vehicle platforms with Bolt's extensive shared mobility network, paving the way for a new era of driverless transportation solutions.
The agreement focuses on the development of autonomous vehicles adhering to SAE Level 4 standards, enabling fully driverless operation under certain conditions. Stellantis, known for its diverse brand portfolio including Peugeot, Opel, Fiat, Citroën, and Jeep, will supply its specially designed 'AV-Ready' platforms for the project. These platforms, such as the mid-sized eK0 van and the STLA Small architecture, are engineered for flexibility, scalability, and the integration of sophisticated sensor arrays, high-performance computing systems, and redundant safety features. These elements are designed to meet the highest standards of safety and reliability required for commercial autonomous vehicle operations.
The rollout of this initiative will be phased, with pilot projects and prototype fleets set to commence testing in select European markets from 2026. The partners aim to gradually expand operations, starting with limited-scale deployments before ramping up to full commercial production. The first large-scale production phase is planned for 2029, aligning with Bolt's ambition to have 100,000 autonomous vehicles on its platform by 2035. Currently, Bolt operates mobility services in more than 50 countries, including 23 member states of the European Union, providing a robust foundation for the integration of autonomous vehicles into existing transport networks.
This partnership builds on Bolt's recent announcement of cooperation with Pony.ai, a Chinese developer of autonomous driving technology. While Stellantis and Pony.ai had previously signed a memorandum of understanding to develop Level 4 autonomous vehicles, the addition of Bolt enables the operational deployment of these vehicles within a ready-made mobility ecosystem. Initial efforts will concentrate on fully electric, mid-sized transport vehicles ideally suited for use as robotaxis within urban environments.
The move comes amid growing momentum in the autonomous driving sector across Europe. Several industry leaders are preparing to launch driverless mobility services in the coming years. For example, Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, plans to introduce robotaxi services in London by 2026. Lyft, in partnership with Baidu, is also seeking to expand autonomous ride-hailing to Germany and other European markets. Uber is preparing to test fully driverless vehicles in Germany, leveraging technology from Chinese software company Momenta, while Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are advancing their own autonomous driving initiatives in various European cities.
Stellantis and Bolt's collaboration reflects a broader trend towards the integration of advanced autonomous technologies into public and private mobility systems. By leveraging Stellantis' expertise in automotive engineering and Bolt's operational experience in shared mobility, the partnership seeks to accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicles, offering new opportunities for safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation across Europe.
The introduction of autonomous vehicles is anticipated to significantly transform urban mobility, enhancing convenience and accessibility while addressing challenges related to traffic congestion and carbon emissions. As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve and technology matures, the joint initiative between Stellantis and Bolt positions both companies at the forefront of Europe's autonomous transport revolution.