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Europe’s autonomous vehicle scene is about to get a major boost, backed by Estonian innovations and drive. Stellantis, one of the world’s largest automakers, which covers brands like Opel, Citroën, and Peugeot, has teamed up with Bolt, Europe’s leading ride-hailing platform, to deploy driverless taxis across the continent starting in 2026.
The partnership combines Stellantis’ specially designed autonomous vehicle platforms with Bolt’s extensive mobility network, which currently operates in over 50 countries, including 23 EU member states. The goal is straightforward: fully autonomous ride-hailing services that require no human driver.
Stellantis is introducing two vehicle platforms — the eK0 medium-sized van and the STLA small platform. Both are engineered specifically for Level 4 autonomy, which means they can drive themselves completely without human intervention in designated areas. These platforms come equipped with advanced sensors, powerful computers, and backup systems designed to meet Europe’s strict safety standards.
The companies plan to start cautiously. Test vehicles are expected to hit European roads in 2026 for trials, with initial production targeted for 2029. Bolt has set an ambitious target of 100,000 autonomous vehicles on its platform by 2035. The company is also building a partnership with Chinese scale-up PonyAI.
For consumers, this could mean cheaper, more accessible ride-hailing as operational costs drop without human drivers. For cities, autonomous fleets promise reduced congestion and lower emissions through optimized routing and increased ride-sharing.
Yet, the driverless future remains a significant challenge. Actual deployment will require separate agreements, regulatory approvals, and meeting technical conditions, says Bolt in an official press-release.
