Germany aims to become a global leader in mobility and autonomous driving – a clear goal set out in the German government’s coalition agreement. Yet the much-anticipated breakthrough is still pending. High approval costs, complex regulatory procedures, and inconsistent legal frameworks continue to slow progress. Meanwhile, other countries like Estonia are already implementing market-ready solutions.
Estonia has become one of Europe’s key hubs for innovative mobility concepts. The country is leveraging its digital infrastructure and innovation-friendly policies to systematically develop and test new transport solutions – from autonomous shuttles to delivery robots and remotely operated car-sharing vehicles.
“We are currently operating a test project at Tallinn Airport, where our shuttles are preparing to operate without a safety driver for the first time starting at the end of 2025.”
Johannes Mossov, Board Member of Auve Tech
Autonomous shuttles for sustainable mobility
An Estonian company Auve Tech develops autonomous electric shuttles designed for first- and last-mile public transport, but also for example, at airports, industrial parks, business campuses, or other controlled environments. With seating for eight passengers, the emission-free vehicles operate quietly and autonomously at speeds of up to 20 km/h, making them ideal for areas where conventional public transport reaches its limits.
“We are currently operating a test project at Tallinn Airport, where our shuttles are preparing to operate without a safety driver for the first time starting at the end of 2025,” says Johannes Mossov, Board Member of Auve Tech. “In Germany, our vehicles can already be deployed on private grounds such as airports or industrial sites. However, the regulatory requirements for public roads remain a significant hurdle – especially for smaller, innovative companies like ours. At the same time, our technology is ready: In Japan, for example, our shuttles have been approved for Level 4 autonomous driving.”
With its latest vehicle generation, MiCa 2.0, Auve Tech introduces technological innovations that are highly relevant for the German market. The proprietary Auve Stack 2.0 software enables improved object detection, predictive navigation, and context-aware reactions – for example, when a pedestrian crosses the street. The system also supports passenger announcements in German.
Other Estonian providers, such as the start-up MindChip, which develops AI-powered sensor solutions for autonomous vehicles, also see significant potential in Germany – but so far, they face lengthy approval processes.
Remotely operated car-sharing reduces inner-city traffic
Starship Technologies, founded by the creators of Skype, is a global pioneer in autonomous delivery. Its compact delivery robots have already completed more than nine million deliveries across the U.S. and Europe. Similar solutions could help German cities make urban logistics more efficient and climate-friendly.
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Estonian company Bolt will partner with Chinese company Pony.ai, a global leader in autonomous driving, to bring self-driving technology to Europe.
Estonian company Elmo enables car-sharing vehicles to be delivered to customers via teledriving – eliminating empty trips and improving fleet efficiency. This approach could also help reduce traffic volumes in German cities.
With its connected bike parking and charging systems, Bikeep aims to make cycling safer and more attractive. Their systems are already in use in over 30 countries and could help German municipalities expand sustainable mobility infrastructure.
Estonia as a real-world test lab for autonomous mobility
The fact that autonomous vehicles are already operating on public roads in Estonia is no coincidence. Companies like Starship Technologies tested their systems for years in controlled environments, on university campuses, and in small-scale neighborhoods before deploying them in everyday settings.
Digital administration, short decision-making processes, and innovation-friendly legislation have ensured that such developments don’t get stuck at the pilot stage but are gradually integrated into everyday life. Over the past five to ten years, Estonia has deliberately positioned itself as a testing ground for automated mobility.
Germany’s Autonomous Driving Act represents an important step in the right direction. However, according to Auve Tech, the current regulatory requirements – from high vehicle type approval costs to strict remote operation and data retention rules – are primarily designed for large-scale automotive manufacturers. Start-ups and smaller providers, which often drive real innovation, risk being left behind.
The company advocates for tiered approval processes and regulatory sandbox environments that maintain safety standards while lowering market entry barriers for innovative solutions.
This content is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
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