Estonian company Bolt will partner with Chinese company Pony.ai, a global leader in autonomous driving, to bring self-driving technology to Europe. 

Pony.ai’s pioneering Level 4 autonomous driving technology will become part of Bolt’s extensive mobility ecosystem.

“Autonomous vehicles will transform how people and goods move around.”
Markus Villig, Bolt Founder and CEO

In the first phase, the company will focus on real-world testing, safety validation, and experience design — laying the groundwork for fully autonomous, driverless operations.

Target cities for early deployments will include both EU Member States and non-EU European countries.

“Autonomous vehicles will transform how people and goods move around, and Bolt is proud to partner with Pony.ai as the company scales its autonomous driving technology,” said Bolt’s Founder and CEO Markus Villig on the partnership’s vision for Europe.

Bolt and Pony.ai will bring self-driving technology to Europe

“As the only independent, European-founded ride-hailing platform competing globally, Bolt is uniquely positioned to help scale autonomous vehicles responsibly and efficiently, in full alignment with Europe’s safety and data standards,” added Villig.

Guided by its vision of “autonomous mobility everywhere,” Pony.ai continues to advance the development and commercialisation of robotaxis globally, with partnerships across eight countries and over 55 million autonomous kilometres driven on open roads.

“As the only independent, European-founded ride-hailing platform competing globally, Bolt is uniquely positioned to help scale autonomous vehicles responsibly and efficiently.”
Markus Villig, Bolt Founder and CEO

By combining Pony.ai’s technology with Bolt´s regulatory expertise and broad European footprint, the partnership will further strengthen the presence of self-driving technology across the continent.

Founded in 2016, Pony.ai has expanded its presence across China, Europe, East Asia, the Middle East and other regions.

Are you interested in trading with Estonia? Enterprise Estonia is providing sourcing services for foreign enterprises. Contact Estonian export advisors or use our free e-consulting service to start trade with Estonia.