Stellantis and Bolt accelerate driverless mobility in Europe

Stellantis and Bolt autonomous vehicles mark a major milestone in Europe’s transition toward driverless mobility. The two companies have announced a strategic partnership aimed at developing and deploying Level 4 autonomous vehicles for commercial mobility services across Europe. Testing is scheduled to begin in 2026, with a phased expansion toward industrial-scale deployment by 2029.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to safety, reliability and cybersecurity, all within Europe’s strict regulatory framework.

Combining automotive engineering and mobility platforms

The partnership brings together the AV-Ready Platforms™ developed by Stellantis with Bolt’s extensive mobility network. Stellantis will provide autonomous-ready vehicle architectures, while Bolt will integrate these vehicles into its shared mobility platform, enabling fully driverless ride-hailing services.

Targeted platforms include:

• eK0, designed for medium-sized electric commercial vehicles

• STLA Small, a flexible architecture for compact urban vehicles

These platforms are engineered for scalability, featuring advanced sensor suites, high-performance computing and redundant safety systems.

What Level 4 autonomy means for Europe

Level 4 autonomous vehicles can operate without human intervention within defined environments. Unlike lower levels of autonomy, no driver supervision is required during operation.

For European cities, this translates into:

• safer urban mobility

• lower operational costs

• reduced congestion

• decreased carbon emissions

Testing phase from 2026 and industrial rollout

According to the announced roadmap, testing will begin in selected European countries in 2026. Deployment will follow a step-by-step approach, moving from prototypes and pilot fleets to industrial-scale operations.

The initial production target is set for 2029, subject to regulatory approvals and technical validation. Close cooperation with European authorities will ensure compliance with safety, data protection and cybersecurity standards.

Strategic value for Stellantis

For Stellantis, the partnership strengthens its autonomous mobility strategy in Europe. By leveraging AV-Ready Platforms™, the company aims to deliver cost-effective, scalable solutions for mobility service operators.

Stellantis leadership emphasizes that autonomous fleets can significantly reduce emissions and traffic congestion, supporting Europe’s broader sustainability goals.

Bolt’s long-term vision

For Bolt, the collaboration represents a crucial step toward its ambition of deploying 100,000 autonomous vehicles on its platform by 2035. With operations in over 600 cities worldwide, Bolt is positioned to rapidly scale driverless services once regulatory conditions allow.

Safety, regulation and cybersecurity

A core pillar of the project is regulatory alignment. Stellantis and Bolt will work closely with European regulators to support responsible testing, certification and deployment of autonomous vehicles.

Cybersecurity and data protection remain top priorities, ensuring public trust and long-term viability of driverless mobility services.

Conclusion EN

Stellantis and Bolt autonomous vehicles signal a turning point for driverless mobility in Europe. With testing scheduled for 2026 and a clear roadmap toward industrial deployment, this partnership has the potential to reshape urban transportation across the continent.
Source: Stellantis și Bolt colaborează pentru implementarea pe scară largă a mobilității fără șofer în Europa