PADERBORN/HAMBURG (dpa-AFX) - Following approval from Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), vehicle manufacturer Holon is now permitted to test its electric shuttle, the "Holon urban," in autonomous driving mode across the entire country. "The vehicle performs the driving task fully autonomously and is monitored by a safety driver acting as a supervisor," the company announced in Paderborn. The test drives will also be accompanied by development engineers to continuously improve the systems.
The "Holon urban" is a fully electric vehicle designed for use in public transportation. The shuttle is also intended for pooled taxi concepts. It operates autonomously up to Level 4, meaning it is largely driverless. The vehicle can accommodate up to 15 passengers (9 seats + 6 standing spaces) and reaches a top speed of around 60 km/h.
First Deployment in Hamburg
With the recent KBA approval, this futuristic means of transport will be deployed for the first time in Hamburg as part of the ALIKE project in cooperation with Hamburger Hochbahn. Alongside Holon, project partners include the Hamburg transport authority, Hochbahn, the on-demand service Moia, vehicle manufacturer Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. The project will run until October 2026 and is supported by a EUR26 million grant from the Federal Ministry of Transport.
Up to 20 autonomous shuttles from various manufacturers, including the VW ID.Buzz AD, will operate within the city of Hamburg. Unlike traditional taxis, these vehicles will function as "ridepooling" services: The IT system groups bookings with similar destinations, allowing passengers to share the shuttle and be taken directly to their destination. The aim is to integrate these autonomous rides as a supplement to classic public transportation (buses and trains), reducing private car use and offering flexible mobility options.
"Milestone for the Introduction of Autonomous Mobility in Public Transport"
Holon manager Flavio Friesen stated that nationwide approval for the testing of the autonomous Level-4 shuttle marks a milestone for the introduction of autonomous mobility in public transport. "The KBA's approval paves the way for autonomous transport solutions in Germany and demonstrates that our vehicle system is convincing both technically and regulatorily. We are taking major steps toward a new era of mobility," he said.
