Autonomous minibus testing debuts in Hamburg, anticipated to carry passengers from 2026 onwards.
The Holon Urban, a unique autonomous minibus with no steering wheel or pedals, has commenced its testing phase in Hamburg, Germany, marking a significant step towards the future of urban mobility. The testing, which began in late summer 2025, covers central and outer areas of the city, including routes from Stadtpark to the Elbe and Schlump to Wandsbek.
The 5-meter-long, barrier-free minibus can accommodate up to 15 passengers and reaches speeds of 60 km/h. The testing phase will focus on assessing the basic functions of the minibus, including steering, braking, acceleration, and sensor interaction.
The Holon Urban is part of the ALIKE project, which studies autonomous driving operation and user acceptance. A dedicated depot, the AD Hub, in Barmbek will support the test operations once completed.
Holon, the company behind the Holon Urban, is expanding its operations, including the launch of a production plant for autonomous shuttles in Jacksonville, Florida. They are also collaborating with partners like the Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund to promote autonomous public transport.
Recent leadership changes have seen Markus Schlitt appointed as CEO and Managing Director as of May 2025. Holon continues refining the shuttle's interior, unveiled at events such as the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in 2025.
Passenger service for the Holon Urban is expected to begin in 2026, initially for a closed user group. Interested individuals can already register online for the service. From 2026, the shuttles are set to roll in several cities in the USA, including metropolises like Los Angeles and smaller towns.
In the USA, Holon is cooperating with the ride-hailing service Lyft. The first Holon Urban will be based at the HVV depot in Hummelsbüttel until the new AD Hub depot in Hamburg-Barmbek opens late summer. Once operational, the depot will maintain and coordinate the minibuses.
The vehicles run on electricity, making them quiet and locally emission-free. From 2026, a closed user group will be able to book the vehicles via the hvv switch and Moia apps. Holon plans to deploy the Holon Urban model internationally, making it a promising addition to urban transportation worldwide.
[1] Holon Urban begins testing in Hamburg [2] Autonomous minibus Holon Urban tested in Hamburg [3] ALIKE project tests autonomous driving in Hamburg [4] Holon Urban at UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2025 [5] Holon expands operations, unveils new leadership
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