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Lyft to Deploy Benteler Autonomous Shuttles by Late 2026

Lyft is set to integrate Benteler Group’s Holon autonomous electric shuttles into its network by late 2026, operating in US cities and airports. The wheel- and pedal-free vehicles carry up to nine seated and six standing passengers. This move positions Lyft alongside Uber’s growing AV partnerships, while Lyft also expands trials with May Mobility and Mobileye.

Published July 26, 2025 at 10:11 PM EDT in Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Lyft’s New Autonomous Shuttle Partnership

Lyft announced on Friday it will integrate autonomous electric shuttles built by Austrian manufacturer Benteler Group under the Holon brand into its network by late 2026. These self-driving vehicles, designed without a steering wheel or pedals, will operate in partnership with U.S. cities and airports. The initial rollout could expand based on performance and local demand.

  • Deployment timeline: Late 2026 in US cities and airports.
  • Vehicle specs: electric, no steering wheel or pedals.
  • Capacity: nine seated and six standing passengers.
  • Powered by Mobileye autonomy tech under the Holon brand.
  • Initial focus on city routes and airport connections.

The Benteler tie-up follows similar moves by Lyft’s main rival, Uber, which has been adding robotaxis from Waymo, WeRide, Baidu, Pony AI and others in cities worldwide. Last week, Uber partnered with Nuro and Lucid Motors as it accelerates its autonomous fleet strategy, intensifying competition in the ride-hailing market.

Despite years of testing, Lyft is still building out its autonomous vehicle lineup. Later this year, it plans to deploy shuttles from May Mobility in Atlanta. The company is also collaborating with Mobileye on future AVs, though details on manufacturing partners remain under wraps. Mobileye’s driver-assistance technology powers the Holon shuttles, but those deals are separate.

Broader Implications for Urban Mobility

Autonomous shuttles like Holon’s could transform first- and last-mile transit by offering a reliable electric alternative for short city hops and airport transfers. Without manual controls, these vehicles simplify training requirements and reduce human error. Success will hinge on public acceptance, regulatory approvals and seamless integration with existing transport networks.

How QuarkyByte Helps Navigate Autonomous Integration

QuarkyByte leverages real-time data analytics to help operators and city planners evaluate shuttle performance, safety metrics and passenger flow. Our simulation models forecast demand patterns, optimize routing and identify integration points with public transit. By partnering with QuarkyByte, organizations can ensure a smooth deployment and measurable efficiency gains.

Looking Ahead

As Lyft and the Benteler Group prepare to launch these autonomous shuttles, the race for scalable, safe, and cost-effective urban mobility continues. Stakeholders that harness detailed insights and strategic planning will lead the way in redefining how people move through our cities.

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City agencies can use QuarkyByte’s analytics to model shuttle routes, predict ridership, and streamline regulatory compliance. Ride-hail operators can benchmark AV performance and optimize fleet dispatch with our data frameworks. See how QuarkyByte drives gains in safety and cost-efficiency for autonomous transit.