Bolt is set to enter the United Kingdom’s car-sharing market through a partnership with Hiyacar, launching its dedicated car-sharing platform, Bolt Drive, this autumn. The move comes as Zipcar has withdrawn its services from London, creating a gap in the city’s shared vehicle offerings.

Starting later this year, London residents will be able to rent cars directly through the Bolt app without needing to pay a membership fee. The partnership allows users to book vehicles owned by private individuals via Bolt’s main interface, offering a flexible alternative to private car ownership.

This rollout takes advantage of a growing trend in London, where a substantial majority of residents do not own vehicles. Internal research cited by Bolt indicates that over 75 percent of Inner London inhabitants do not possess a car, a figure consistent with the company’s user demographics. The new car-sharing service is designed to appeal to those who need access to a vehicle only occasionally, such as for longer trips or specific errands like moving house.

The collaboration with Hiyacar also provides the car-sharing company with immediate access to Bolt’s significant customer base in London, which reportedly encompasses more than half of the city’s population. By integrating Hiyacar’s fleet of privately owned vehicles into the Bolt app, the service aims to expand the availability and convenience of car-sharing options amid shifting attitudes toward urban transport and vehicle ownership.