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Der HOLON-Shuttle Mover im HOCHBAHN-Design

Autonomous on-demand shuttles

HOCHBAHN brings autonomous driving to Hamburg

Focus on the mobility transition: The ALIKE project aims to show how public transport services can be expanded in the long term to include a particularly flexible service

Hamburg is taking the next step towards the mobility transition. With autonomous shuttles as a supplement to traditional public transport, we are trialling a particularly flexible and convenient service. The ALIKE project will bring autonomous mobility to life in Hamburg. The first vehicles have been seen in the area for test drives since autumn 2025, but still without passengers. The aim of the project is to learn exactly how autonomous vehicles can improve local public transport - so that we can then expand the public transport services in our city in the long term.

A new era of mobility:

Hamburg is trialling the mobility transition for all

We have joined forces with renowned partners in the ALIKE project to develop a unique autonomous ridepooling system. HOCHBAHN is leading the project, along with the on-demand service provider MOIA, the vehicle manufacturers HOLON (a subsidiary of BENTELER) and Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) as a research partner and the Hamburg Authority for Transport and Mobility Transition (BVM). We are also working with DRM Datenraum Mobilität GmbH to develop a use case for the European data space in the mobility sector in which data can be shared.

With this offering and the findings from the project, we in Hamburg want to provide a blueprint for implementing the mobility transition in cities through autonomous technology. The project is being supported by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport with funding totalling 26 million euros.

Logos der Partner des Projekts ALIKE


These shuttles will drive through Hamburg

Der HOLON urban bei seiner Ankunft in Hamburg vor der Elbphilharmonie im Herbst 2025.

The HOLON urban upon its arrival in Hamburg in front of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall in summer 2025.

HOCHBAHN
Der HOLON urban der HOCHBAHN

In Hamburg, HOLON's shuttle has been undergoing test runs since autumn 2025.

HOCHBAHN
Holon urban Shuttle der HOCHBAHN

Developed to automotive standards, fully electric, autonomous driving and offering maximum safety and comfort: the shuttle from HOLON sets new standards in autonomous driving.

HOCHBAHN
Darstellung des autonomen Kleinbusses von HOLON

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The vehicle is barrier-free thanks to an automated ramp, has a secure wheelchair space and auditory and visual support for passengers.

HOLON
Darstellung des autonomen Kleinbusses von HOLON

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With a top speed of 60 km/h, our shuttle will fit perfectly into city traffic.

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Darstellung des autonomen Kleinbusses von HOLON

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In total, up to 20 autonomous vehicles from the operators HOCHBAHN and MOIA will be on the road during the ALIKE project period and can be booked digitally via the hvv switch app and MOIA app.

HOLON

A shuttle from the manufacturer HOLON is operating for HOCHBAHN. This will be the first time anywhere in the world that it will be carrying passengers in Hamburg. The five-metre-long, fully electric vehicle can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h.

The first autonomous shuttles from MOIA and HOCHBAHN are already being tested on the streets of Hamburg, albeit without passengers. MOIA is using the compact and manoeuvrable Volkswagen ID.Buzz AD, which can accommodate up to four people.

From 2026, test users will be able to ride in the autonomous vehicles from MOIA and HOCHBAHN for the first time. A safety driver will be on board at all times throughout the project period. A total of up to 20 autonomous vehicles from both operators will be on the road and can be booked digitally via the hvv switch app and MOIA app.

 

AD Hub in Barmbek: The HOCHBAHN depot for autonomous driving

The vehicles will start operating from the AD Hub in Barmbek, which is set to open in 2025. HOCHBAHN has created the central infrastructure for future autonomous operation here. The approximately 2,000 square metre site is located in the middle of the ALIKE operating area and offers space for up to ten autonomous, fully electric shuttles. In addition to parking spaces, the hub includes charging infrastructure, network technology, a workshop and an operations building including a control centre. Sustainability and flexibility were the focus during construction – for example, through modular design, green roofs and photovoltaics.

ALIKE-Bediengebiet auf Hamburg-Karte

This is where the autonomous shuttles will be on the road

From Stadtpark to the Elbe and from Schlump to Wandsbek: the planned test operation of ALIKE will take place in this red-marked area of around 37 km2 . In Hamburg's city centre, we will reach around 320,000 residents, as well as many others who travel here every day. This is where we can best learn how to drive in the most complex traffic situations possible so that we can then transfer this to other areas. The first vehicles have been seen in the area for test drives since autumn 2025, but still without passengers.

Even more future for Hamburg:

Eine Hamburger U-Bahn fährt in die Haltestelle Billstedt ein

Automation U-Bahn100

Great things are coming to the east of Hamburg. Because our promise is: an underground every 100 seconds! This will be made possible by the automation of the first Hamburg underground lines U2 and U4 in the east of the city. In concrete terms: this means that we will be able to offer our passengers a great deal more in the future.

Visualisierung einer U5-Haltestelle für Hamburg

U5 is coming!

Time to change Hamburg profoundly: The U5 project of the century will connect the UKE, the university, the arenas, the main train station, City Nord and much more. Fully automated, it will be one of the most modern underground lines in Europe.

A visualization of the future Hamburg U4 stop Horner Geest

U4 Horner Geest

The U4 underground line is currently being extended to Horner Geest with two new stops. The neighborhood is becoming a prime example of the mobility revolution. Improvements for pedestrians and cyclists are also being considered along with the construction of the underground.

A visualization of the Hamburg subway as it travels towards Grasbrook

U4 Grasbrook: Leap over the Elbe

We are extending the U4 underground line to the new Grasbrook district. This will be the first time Hamburg's underground will travel south of the Elbe. Next stop: Wilhelmsburg?

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