EU-Backed Self-Driving Cars Hit Oslo’s Streets – Are Autonomous Taxis the Future of Urban Mobility?
Groundbreaking EU trials debut self-driving public transport in Oslo, aiming for cleaner, safer, and smarter European city centres by 2026.
- €500 million in EU funding for smart connected mobility
- 5 self-driving cars launched in Oslo’s Groruddalen district in February 2025
- Trials expanding to Germany and Switzerland this year
- Ultimate goal: 500+ autonomous vehicles per city for maximum impact
Europe’s urban landscape just took a giant leap. This February, five self-driving electric vehicles began carrying passengers across Oslo’s bustling Groruddalen valley — and it’s only the beginning. Backed by a €500 million EU investment, these trials promise affordable, green, and fair city transport for everyone.
The project, known as ULTIMO, isn’t just about cutting-edge technology. It’s about ushering in a new era for public transport where safety, accessibility, and climate goals converge.
What’s Driving the Change?
The shift toward smarter cities gains traction as Oslo leads the charge with fully autonomous, on-demand vehicles. Unlike traditional buses or unmanned trains tied to fixed lines, these smart cars adapt routes in real time based on passenger requests—no detours, no waiting for the next scheduled ride.
Over the next year, Germany’s Herford and Switzerland’s Greater Champagne region will host their own trial fleets, bringing the dream of “public transport, instantly and anywhere” closer to reality.
Q: Who’s Behind the European Self-Driving Revolution?
ULTIMO unites tech giants and local governments across the continent. Partners like Siemens, Capgemini, and the International Association of Public Transport join with city planners and universities from seven EU countries (plus Norway and Switzerland). Their shared mission: To create flexible, digitally connected urban mobility that slashes emissions and increases access for all.
Q: How Will Autonomous Cars Transform City Life?
These vehicles run on electricity—and a mountain of data. Armed with 3D mapping, radar, and cameras, they safely weave through crowded cityscapes. Human backup operators currently ride along for safety, but the roadmap points toward fully driverless fleets, monitored remotely by AI-powered control hubs.
The upshot? Less pollution, fewer accidents, and lower transportation costs for everyone. As the scale grows—from 15 trial vehicles today to 500+ down the road—public ride prices are forecast to undercut the cost of driving your own car.
Q: What Makes This Different from Previous Trials?
Unlike classic pilot projects, ULTIMO’s approach is citizen-centric and customizable. The ability to book a ride through an app, share it with neighbors, and influence routes brings a genuine alternative to private car ownership. Early passengers zip around Oslo in luxury electric Nio ES8s, with plans to swap in European-made models as the technology matures.
And there’s more to come: the service is currently free, with feedback guiding pricing and expansion for a true pay-as-you-go future.
How-To: Experience Autonomous Public Transport in 2025
- Download the ULTIMO app (available in Oslo, with Germany and Switzerland coming soon)
- Book your ride and get matched with a shared, electric autonomous car
- Enjoy a safe, quiet, and efficient trip—all without a steering wheel up front
- Share feedback, shape the future: early users influence long-term service design
What Challenges Remain?
The road ahead isn’t all smooth. Large-scale adoption requires ultra-reliable tech, advanced vehicle sensors, and standardized systems for seamless integration with buses and trains. Harmonizing regulations and digital platforms across countries is a tall order—but it’s essential for a truly unified transport grid.
Passengers will eventually board vehicles without onboard staff, trusting AI and remote supervisors to deliver both safety and comfort. In the next few years, new standards and strategies will unfold—in Oslo and across Europe.
For deeper dives into the future of mobility, visit trusted sources like European Commission, Siemens, and Ruter.
Summary Checklist: Are You Ready for the Self-Driving City?
- ✔ Test ride an autonomous vehicle if available in your city
- ✔ Download mobility apps to stay updated on local rollouts
- ✔ Watch for new public-private projects like ULTIMO in your area
- ✔ Provide feedback—your input shapes safer, more accessible streets
This is just the start—Europe’s streets are primed for a transport revolution. Stay tuned, test the new mobility, and be part of the change!