Autonomous robotaxis in Île-de-France by 2028

Autonomous robotaxis are expected to operate in Île-de-France starting in 2028, according to a partnership between the Grand Paris Metropolis, Stellantis, and Bolt. This initiative is part of the European program "Autonomous Drive Ambition Cities" (ADACities), aiming to serve about thirty communes by 2030, beginning with five in the Hauts-de-Seine department and possibly extending to Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport.

Stellantis and Nvidia provide key technology

Stellantis will supply vehicles built on its "L4-Ready" platform, which are pre-equipped with dual systems for steering and braking, ready to receive autonomous driving software. Nvidia contributes its Hyperion computing platform and Halos OS system, designed to handle the large data volumes needed for autonomous operations.

Collaboration with Wayve and Pony.ai

The British startup Wayve, already a partner of Uber in London, supports Nvidia with real-time artificial intelligence training. The Chinese company Pony.ai brings its algorithm, developed using data from more than 100 million kilometers of driving. Together, these companies aim to develop a robust autonomous driving system.

Alliance announced at Autonomous Vehicle Summit

During the Autonomous Vehicle Summit on October 23, 2026, in Paris, Wayve announced an alliance with Stellantis, Nvidia, and Uber, supported by the French government. This collaboration seeks to position France as a European hub for level 4 autonomous vehicles and robotaxis.

Wayve’s AI Driver technology

Wayve's "AI Driver" uses end-to-end deep learning, enabling vehicles to adapt instantly to new urban environments without pre-existing maps. This approach has been tested in London with 140,000 registered users and in over 500 cities globally. Unlike traditional systems, it mimics how a professional driver would act and adapt.

France’s favorable ecosystem for autonomous vehicles

The choice of France and Paris as a strategic hub is due to the city's strong private hire car market, significant national investments in AI, and a developing regulatory framework. The Minister of Transport, Philippe Tabarot, has stated that France will adapt its regulations to allow driverless operations while maintaining safety standards.

Focus on safety and specific mobility needs

The project will initially target the first and last mile of travel, off-peak hours, elderly mobility, and major events. A key goal is to achieve a safety level of 10⁻⁸, meaning no incidents in 100 million hours of operation. This is seen as essential for deployment.

Bolt’s role and the need for scale

Bolt will manage the operational integration and user interface through its platform. The project's success depends on generating sufficient operation volumes at a continental scale. Bolt plans to test up to 33 vehicles initially but requires a clear path to large-scale commercial operations.

Concerns from existing taxi professionals

The autonomous vehicle project has raised concerns among professionals in the sector. Taxi federations are urging the government to prioritize existing license holders and ensure fair taxation. In response, Clichy, G7, and Milla have submitted their own application to ADACities, aiming to offer a 100% sovereign alternative operated with professional drivers in the northwest of Paris.