Lyft to add autonomous shuttles in 2026 as Uber inks more self-driving deals

In a significant move set to reshape urban transportation, Lyft has announced its intention to integrate autonomous shuttles into its network by late 2026. These next-generation vehicles, manufactured by Austrian firm Benteler Group under their Holon brand, will initially be deployed in partnership with U.S. cities and airports, signaling Lyft’s strategic entry into large-scale autonomous operations.

The autonomous shuttles, which notably lack a steering wheel or pedals, are designed for public transit, featuring inward-facing seating for up to nine seated passengers and standing room for six more. This collaboration will allow Lyft to leverage Benteler’s expertise in urban electric shuttle development, aiming to provide efficient and accessible shared autonomous transport.

This announcement comes amidst a vigorous expansion by Lyft’s primary competitor, Uber, in the self-driving vehicle sector. Uber has been aggressively forging partnerships with a multitude of robotaxi providers globally, including established names like Waymo and WeRide. Their extensive roster of collaborators further includes Baidu, Pony AI, Momenta, May Mobility, Volkswagen, Wayve, and recent deals with Nuro and Lucid Motors, highlighting a concerted effort to dominate the burgeoning autonomous ride-hailing market.

While Uber pushes forward with a broad array of robotaxi services, Lyft has been more measured in its approach to integrating autonomous vehicles directly into its fleet. The company is also working with May Mobility to introduce AVs onto its network in Atlanta later this year and maintains a partnership with autonomy provider Mobileye. Interestingly, Mobileye’s technology powers the Holon shuttles, though Lyft has clarified that the Benteler deal is distinct from its existing Mobileye collaboration.

The strategic decisions by both Lyft and Uber underscore the accelerating race to deploy autonomous transportation solutions. As AI-powered mobility continues to evolve, these partnerships are crucial steps toward a future where self-driving vehicles become a common part of our daily commute, promising increased efficiency and new modes of urban travel.