Bolt has agreed a partnership with Chinese autonomous driving firm Pony.ai as competition grows across Europe. The move highlights rising tensions within the global self-driving industry and marks a significant step for the Estonian platform.
New tech for European Streets
The deal will add Pony.ai’s Level 4 technology to Bolt’s network. This system can operate without human control in limited conditions. Both companies say the first phase will focus on road testing, safety checks, and designing a smooth passenger experience. Bolt has not given a launch date, but early trials are expected in several EU and non-EU cities.
Rivalry fuels expansion
The partnership comes as Chinese self-driving companies face tight restrictions in the United States and look to Europe for growth. Industry rivalry is intensifying, with each firm pushing to secure market share and influence future mobility.
Voices from the top
Bolt’s founder Markus Villig said the technology will change how people and goods travel. He praised Pony.ai’s rapid progress as the firms prepare for deployment. Pony.ai chief James Peng called Europe a promising market with strong demand for autonomous mobility.
China’s growing footprint
Pony.ai already runs fully driverless services in four major Chinese cities and operates a large robotaxi and truck fleet. Its expanding presence reflects a wider surge of Chinese mobility firms entering Europe despite strict local safety and data rules.
A crowded field ahead
Uber and Momenta will test robotaxis in Germany next year, while Lyft plans deployments with Baidu in the United Kingdom and Germany. European and US competitors, including Waymo and Cruise, are also racing to commercialise the technology, which supporters claim could cut road accidents.
