Hellobike, one of China’s leading bike-sharing platforms, has officially launched a new robotaxi company in partnership with Ant Group and CATL. The trio announced the joint venture on Monday, confirming a combined initial investment of over 3 billion yuan (approximately $417.4 million USD). The new company is registered in Shanghai and will focus on the development, testing, and commercialization of Level 4 autonomous driving technologies.
Key Highlights:
- Joint Venture Partners: Hellobike, Ant Group, CATL
- Investment: Over ¥3 billion ($417.4 million)
- Location: Shanghai, China
- Focus: Level 4 autonomous driving R&D and commercialization
- Date of Registration: Monday, June 2025
Strategic Focus: Advancing Level 4 Autonomous Driving
The new firm aims to become a major player in China’s autonomous mobility sector by concentrating on:
- Level 4 autonomous driving systems
- Safety applications for self-driving vehicles
- Mass commercialization of robotaxis
Level 4 autonomy represents a near fully autonomous system, where a vehicle can operate without human intervention under specific conditions.
A Powerful Trio: Who’s Behind the Venture?
Hellobike
Known for its nationwide bike-sharing service, Hellobike has been expanding into smart mobility solutions in recent years.
Ant Group
As the fintech powerhouse behind Alipay, Ant Group brings advanced AI, cloud computing, and payment technologies to the venture.
CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited)
A global leader in EV battery manufacturing, CATL adds strong capabilities in electric vehicle power systems and battery R&D. Together, the three companies aim to accelerate China’s autonomous driving ecosystem and compete in a market that includes players like Baidu Apollo, Huawei, and Xiaomi’s automotive division.
Why This Matters
This high-stakes partnership signifies a major step toward the future of urban mobility in China, particularly in the robotaxi sector, which is forecasted to grow significantly over the next decade. With growing government support and rapid technological advancements, the new venture is poised to play a key role in shaping smart city transportation.
Final Thoughts
The formation of a robotaxi firm by Hellobike, Ant Group, and CATL marks a strategic move into next-gen mobility services powered by AI and electric vehicle innovation. Backed by a ¥3 billion investment, the Shanghai-based company is set to push the envelope in Level 4 autonomous driving, potentially redefining public transport and ride-hailing across China.
