Lyft has revealed plans to introduce autonomous shuttles produced by Benteler Group, an Austrian manufacturer, to its network by late 2026. The company announced this exciting development on Friday, stating that these shuttles will initially be deployed in collaboration with U.S. cities and airports. However, there is potential for expansion beyond these initial locations if the implementation proves successful.
The partnership will enable Lyft to utilize urban electric shuttles created by Benteler’s mobility division under the Holon brand. These shuttles, as reported by Bloomberg News, will be designed without a steering wheel or pedals, featuring inward-facing seats accommodating up to nine seated and six standing passengers.
In response to recent advancements by its competitor Uber, Lyft has decided to incorporate autonomous vehicles into its network. Uber has introduced robotaxis from Waymo and WeRide in various cities globally and is actively pursuing additional partnerships with companies like Baidu, Pony AI, and Nuro. In comparison, Lyft is focusing on integrating AVs from May Mobility in Atlanta and collaborating with Mobileye for autonomous technology.
Although Mobileye’s technology powers the Holon shuttles, Lyft has clarified that these agreements are distinct from each other. This strategic move aligns with Lyft’s ongoing efforts to enhance its autonomous vehicle capabilities and offer innovative transportation solutions to its customers.
