Lyft ditches humans! Self-driving shuttles to battle Uber & Waymo by 2026
Lyft's 2026 rollout will see electric, driverless Holon Urban shuttles hit select U.S. streets. These futuristic vehicles will be fully integrated into the Lyft app, giving riders the choice to ride in an autonomous vehicle for short urban trips — especially in airports, downtown corridors, and transit hubs. With the support of Mobileye's Level 4 autonomy technology and Japanese partner Marubeni, Lyft is betting big on a driverless future.
Explore courses from Top Institutes in
Please select course:
Select a Course Category
CXO
Finance
Management
Data Science
Artificial Intelligence
Project Management
Degree
Public Policy
Leadership
Data Analytics
Technology
Design Thinking
Product Management
Data Science
Others
Operations Management
MCA
MBA
PGDM
Healthcare
Cybersecurity
healthcare
Digital Marketing
others
Skills you'll gain:
Digital Strategy Development Expertise
Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends
Data-driven Decision Making
Leadership in the Digital Age
Duration:
40 Weeks
Indian School of Business
ISB Chief Digital Officer
Starts on
Jun 30, 2024
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Technology Strategy & Innovation
Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation
Leadership in Technology Management
Cybersecurity & Risk Management
Duration:
24 Weeks
Indian School of Business
ISB Chief Technology Officer
Starts on
Jun 28, 2024
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Operations Strategy for Business Excellence
Organizational Transformation
Corporate Communication & Crisis Management
Capstone Project Presentation
Duration:
11 Months
IIM Lucknow
Chief Operations Officer Programme
Starts on
Jun 30, 2024
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy
Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics
Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills
Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise
Duration:
10 Months
IIM Kozhikode
IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer
Starts on
Apr 7, 2024
Get Details
Lyft's Robotaxi launch set for 2026 through Holon partnership
After years of distancing itself from autonomous vehicle development, Lyft is now re-entering the space with a smart, low-risk strategy. Instead of building its own driverless cars, Lyft is collaborating with partners like Holon, Mobileye, and Marubeni SmartFleet. Their joint plan? To roll out Level 4 electric autonomous shuttles that can operate without a human driver in controlled environments.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
IQ Worldwide - Test your Intelligence, know your IQ Score
IQ-Worldwide.org
Try Now
Undo
Holon's self-driving shuttle — designed by Italian auto legend Pininfarina — will carry up to 15 passengers, reach speeds of up to 37 mph, and operate on fixed routes in cities. These all-electric vehicles will prioritize accessibility, low emissions, and urban efficiency — fitting Lyft's vision of safer, cleaner mobility.
Lyft shifts from 'human-only' to embracing full autonomy
This pivot is a major reversal for Lyft. Back in 2021, it sold its in-house autonomous vehicle division to Toyota's Woven Planet and publicly committed to focusing on human drivers. But as competition heats up in the robotaxi space, Lyft is changing gears.
Live Events
By partnering with autonomous leaders and outsourcing vehicle development and fleet management, Lyft is adopting an 'asset-light' strategy — letting it scale faster while avoiding the high costs of owning or building AV fleets. The new shuttles will be operated by fleet partners like Marubeni, while Lyft handles the app, routing, and rider experience.
Uber and Waymo's expansion sparks robotaxi showdown
Lyft's move comes as Uber rapidly expands its robotaxi network through Waymo, now available in cities like Phoenix, Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami. Riders can book driverless rides directly through the Uber app in some cities — a major milestone in robotaxi adoption.
Waymo, owned by Alphabet (Google's parent company), is considered the current industry leader, running over 250,000 rides weekly and scaling fast. Meanwhile, Tesla is pushing its own robotaxi service in Austin, using its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, with plans to launch dedicated robotaxi vehicles in 2026.
Holon Urban shuttles bring sleek design and safety to cities
The Holon Urban Shuttle, which Lyft plans to deploy, is designed with both tech and style in mind. With zero emissions, spacious interiors, and AI-powered sensors, it promises a smooth, safe, and comfortable ride for passengers. Its Level 4 autonomy allows it to operate entirely without human intervention in geofenced areas.
These shuttles will initially serve airports and busy urban hubs where traffic flow is predictable — ideal for early robotaxi deployment. With safety top-of-mind, the shuttles are built using Mobileye's advanced autonomous driving system, which includes a 360-degree vision system, AI decision-making, and constant monitoring.
Atlanta and Dallas expected to be first cities in Lyft's rollout
Lyft's robotaxi rollout is expected to begin with Atlanta as the first test city in mid-2025, followed by Dallas and other major metros in 2026. In Atlanta, Lyft is already testing autonomous vehicles from May Mobility, and the company has launched a 'Driver Autonomous Forum' to involve human drivers in its transition plans.
In Dallas, Lyft plans to deploy the Holon shuttles in partnership with Marubeni, serving areas like airports, corporate campuses, and entertainment districts. These deployments will help Lyft test public acceptance, fine-tune its services, and gradually expand.
Waymo faces challenges as competition heats up
While Waymo is leading the robotaxi race, it hasn't been without issues. The company has faced public pushback, with San Francisco residents protesting the presence of self-driving cars by placing cones on their hoods. Some vehicles have been reported to stall or block traffic in unusual scenarios, raising questions about readiness.
Still, Waymo continues to expand and improve, with its latest fleet using fifth-generation Jaguar I-PACE vehicles and mapping new cities like Tokyo, San Antonio, and Washington D.C.
Tesla's bold Robotaxi plans still face regulatory hurdles
Tesla is expected to reveal its dedicated robotaxi vehicle later in 2026, but so far, its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software still requires a safety driver in most jurisdictions. While CEO Elon Musk claims Tesla's AI will eventually power fully autonomous driving, regulators remain cautious, especially after several high-profile crashes.
Still, Tesla's plan to operate a network of FSD-powered robotaxis remains central to its future — and could disrupt the rideshare industry if it gains regulatory approval.
The bottom line: Lyft's robotaxi strategy is smart, scalable, and on time
Lyft's entry into the robotaxi market is both strategic and timely. By teaming up with global partners like Holon, Mobileye, and Marubeni, Lyft avoids the massive investment risks that Uber, Tesla, and Waymo face — while still competing for market share in autonomous mobility.
As public awareness and trust in self-driving technology grows, Lyft could emerge as a flexible, app-based platform for multiple autonomous providers. Its
2026 launch of Holon elec
tric shuttles
is a critical step in that direction — and signals a major new chapter in the robotaxi race.
FAQs:
Q1. When will Lyft launch its robotaxi service in the U.S.?
Lyft's robotaxi launch with Holon is set for late 2026.
Q2. What is Holon and how is it part of Lyft's robotaxi plan?
Holon is Lyft's shuttle partner providing self-driving electric vehicles for the 2026 rollout.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
11 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Australia to buy 11 advanced warships from Japan
Australia will upgrade its navy with 11 Mogami-class frigates built by Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Tuesday (August 5, 2025). Billed as one of Japan's biggest defence export deals since World War II, Australia will pay U.S.$6 billion (Aus$10 billion) over the next 10 years to acquire the fleet of stealth frigates. Australia is in the midst of a major military restructure, bolstering its navy with long-range firepower in an effort to deter China. It is striving to expand its fleet of major warships from 11 to 26 over the next decade. 'This is clearly the biggest defence-industry agreement that has ever been struck between Japan and Australia,' Mr. Marles said, touting the deal. 'This decision was made based on what was the best capability for Australia,' he added. 'We do have a very close strategic alignment with Japan,' he said. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was awarded the tender over Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. Mogami-class warships are advanced stealth frigates equipped with a potent array of weapons. Mr. Marles said they would replace Australia's ageing fleet of Anzac-class vessels, with the first Mogami-class ship to be on the water by 2030. 'The Mogami-class frigate is the best frigate for Australia,' said Mr. Marles. 'It is a next-generation vessel. It is stealthy. It has 32 vertical launch cells capable of launching long-range missiles,' he added. The deal further cements a burgeoning security partnership between Australia and Japan. Japan is deepening cooperation with U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific region that, like Tokyo, are involved in territorial disputes with China. Both Japan and Australia are members of the 'Quad' group alongside India and the United States. Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said Tuesday (August 5, 2025) the deal was 'proof of trust in our nation's high-level technology and the importance of interoperability between Japan's self-defence forces and the Australian military.' It was also a 'big step toward elevating the national security cooperation with Australia, which is our special strategic partner', Hayashi told reporters in Tokyo. 'More lethal' Japan's pacifist constitution restricts it from exporting weapons – but Tokyo has in recent years loosened arms export controls to boost sales abroad. 'This is Japan's largest defence export deal since 1945 with a non-U.S. partner,' said Yee Kuang Heng from the University of Tokyo's Security Studies Unit. 'And only the second since Tokyo loosened its guidelines on defence exports in 2014, which led to exports of air surveillance radar to the Philippines,' he said. Mr. Heng said the deal was a 'massive shot in the arm' for Japan as it sought to strengthen its defence manufacturing industry. Australian defence industry minister Pat Conroy said the Mogami-class frigates were capable of launching long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles. 'The acquisition of these stealth frigates will make our navy a bigger navy, and a more lethal navy,' he said. 'The first three Mogami-class frigates will be built overseas,' Mr. Conroy said, with shipbuilding yards in Western Australia expected to produce the rest. Australia announced a deal to acquire U.S.-designed nuclear-powered submarines in 2021, scrapping a years-long plan to develop non-nuclear subs from France. Under the tripartite AUK-U.S. pact with the United States and the United Kingdom, the Australian navy plans to acquire at least three Virginia-class submarines within 15 years. The AUK-U.S. submarine programme alone could cost the country up to U.S.$235 billion over the next 30 years, according to Australian government forecasts, a price tag that has stoked criticism. Major defence projects in Australia have long suffered from cost overruns, government U-turns, policy changes and project plans that make more sense for local job creation than defence. Australia plans to gradually increase its defence spending to 2.4% of gross domestic product – above the 2% target set by its NATO allies, but well short of U.S. demands for 3.5%.
Mint
41 minutes ago
- Mint
Japan's Akazawa to Visit US to Press on Car Levy Cut Timing
Japan's top trade negotiator is set to leave for the US on Tuesday as Tokyo aims to urge Washington to proceed with a cut to tariffs on cars as promised in last month's trade deal. Ryosei Akazawa's trip to Washington will be his first following the announcement of the trade agreement. The deal, reached after his eighth visit to the US capital since April, resulted in a pledge by the US to assess a 15% tariff on most imports of Japanese goods. The deal allowed Japan to avoid a worst-case scenario of a 25% levy as threatened previously by President Donald Trump, but the universal levies will rise from the 10% rate imposed in recent months. The new rate is set to kick in on Aug. 7. Car tariffs are set to decline, but it remains unclear when that reduction will start. 'What we are asking for is very simple,' Akazawa told reporters before his departure. 'We'll continue to strongly urge the US to take steps to implement the agreement swiftly and steadily, including the reduction of tariffs on cars and car parts.' With automobile tariffs currently at 27.5%, including a newly applied 25% this year and a previous 2.5% rate, the impact on Japan's economy is expected to be large. The sector accounts for the biggest component of exports to the US and serves as a pillar of employment and a trend setter for wage growth. With assistance from Akemi Terukina. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
Tata AutoComp and Ichikoh to Form JV for Automotive Lighting in India
Pune, 5 August 2025: Tata AutoComp Systems Limited (Tata AutoComp), a leading Indian auto-component manufacturer, has announced plans to partner with Japan's Ichikoh Industries Limited in a joint venture aimed at the automotive lighting market in India. The proposed partnership involves the acquisition of Valeo's lighting business in India—Valeo Lighting Systems (VLS), currently operated under Valeo India Private Limited. The acquisition will be executed through a newly formed 50:50 joint venture company (JVC) between Tata AutoComp and Ichikoh Industries. Ichikoh is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market and is 61.2% owned by global automotive supplier Valeo. The definitive agreements for the formation of the JVC and the acquisition of the VLS business are currently being finalised and will remain subject to the necessary statutory and regulatory approvals. *Strategic Partnership for Indian OEMs* Mr Arvind Goel, Vice Chairman of Tata AutoComp, commented: 'This joint venture marks another significant step in Tata AutoComp's commitment to bringing advanced and contemporary technologies to Indian automotive OEMs. We are delighted to partner with Ichikoh and the Valeo Group, combining their lighting expertise with our market reach to deliver innovative lighting solutions.' Mr Manoj Kolhatkar, Managing Director and CEO of Tata AutoComp, added: 'The JV will strengthen our position in the Indian automotive sector and enable us to serve a wider range of OEMs. It reflects Tata AutoComp's ongoing journey to offer a comprehensive portfolio of cutting-edge auto-component products.' Mr Christophe Vilatte, Representative Director, President, and CEO of Ichikoh, said: 'Backed by over 120 years of technological excellence, Ichikoh is proud to collaborate with Tata AutoComp, a respected name in the Indian automotive industry. Our combined strengths will allow us to meet the growing demand for advanced lighting solutions in India's rapidly expanding automotive market.' *About the Companies* *Ichikoh Industries Limited* is a major Japanese supplier of automotive lighting, with global clientele and a turnover of JPY 124 billion in FY2024. The company is majority-owned by Valeo, a leading French automotive supplier. *Tata AutoComp Systems Limited*, established in 1995 and part of the Tata Group, serves global OEMs across a wide range of vehicle categories. With over 20,000 employees and 68 manufacturing facilities worldwide, the company operates 20 business units, including ten joint ventures with global partners. This joint venture is expected to bolster India's domestic automotive lighting capabilities and support the industry's transition towards more advanced and efficient technologies.
