Introduction
Around the world, the transportation industry is undergoing a major transformation from conventional vehicles to connected, electrified, and increasingly autonomous systems. The shift is being powered by innovations in sensors, communication systems, vehicle software, and electrification platforms.
Israel has rapidly positioned itself as a global hub for smart mobility technology, producing solutions that enhance road safety, improve traffic efficiency, reduce emissions, and reshape how vehicles and cities connect.
This blog explores why smart mobility technology is essential, shares statistics from Israel’s mobility ecosystem, outlines why Israeli companies excel in this domain, and highlights leading Israeli companies that are redefining global transportation.
Why the Technology Is Needed & Statistics from Israel
The Global Need for Smart Mobility
Urban centers are struggling with congestion, road safety, pollution, and outdated transport infrastructure. Smart mobility solutions—such as vehicle connectivity, electric platforms, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and digital traffic management—help address these challenges by improving efficiency and enabling safer, more sustainable transport systems.
According to the World Bank, transportation accounts for nearly 25% of global carbon emissions, and road accidents cause over 1.3 million deaths annually. Countries and cities worldwide are investing heavily in smarter vehicle systems, electrification, and data-driven traffic control to respond to these challenges.
Israel’s Smart Mobility Landscape
Israel has become a powerhouse in mobility innovation over the last decade.
Some notable facts include:
- Over 700 mobility and transportation startups operate in Israel, covering electric vehicles, smart infrastructure, fleet management, and connected systems.
- Since 2015, more than US$ 10 billion has been invested in Israel’s mobility ecosystem, with global automotive giants like Intel, BMW, Volkswagen, and Toyota establishing R&D partnerships in the country.
- The Israel Innovation Authority lists mobility among its top national technology priorities, supporting research and commercialization programs in transportation systems, clean energy, and logistics.
- Companies like Mobileye, REE Automotive, Innoviz, and Autotalks have become global suppliers to major automakers and infrastructure projects.
These statistics highlight how Israel’s innovation capacity, small but agile market, and strong collaboration between startups, academia, and industry have made it a central hub for mobility solutions.
Why Israeli Companies Excel in Smart Mobility
- Engineering Excellence and Defense Expertise
Many Israeli engineers come from advanced defense technology backgrounds, with experience in radar, imaging, and communications systems. These skills transfer directly to automotive technologies such as sensor development, connectivity, and precision navigation. - Strong Startup Ecosystem
Israel’s innovation ecosystem supports high-risk, high-impact ventures through incubators, venture capital funds, and government incentives. This allows mobility startups to prototype quickly, pilot locally, and scale globally. - Academic and Industry Collaboration
Research institutions like the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, and Ben-Gurion University have dedicated mobility and smart transportation research centers that collaborate closely with private industry. - Government Support and Global Partnerships
The Israeli government’s Smart Mobility Initiative, launched under the Prime Minister’s Office, promotes R&D, provides pilot zones, and connects local innovators with international automotive and infrastructure partners. - Global Mindset
Israeli companies design from day one for export. They build technologies compatible with global standards, regulatory requirements, and OEM integration, ensuring competitiveness in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Leading Israeli Companies in Smart Mobility
| Company | What They Do | |
| 1. | Mobileye | A pioneer in vehicle safety and driver-assistance systems, Mobileye develops vision-based sensing and mapping technologies that enable features such as lane departure warnings, collision prevention, and traffic sign recognition. The company supplies major automakers worldwide and was acquired by Intel for $15 billion. |
| 2. | Innoviz Technologies | Innoviz produces high-performance LiDAR sensors and perception software for vehicle safety systems. Their hardware enables accurate environmental mapping for advanced driver-assistance and navigation. |
| 3. | REE Automotive | REE designs modular electric vehicle platforms where key components—motors, steering, suspension, and brakes—are integrated into the wheels. This approach simplifies EV manufacturing and allows flexible vehicle designs for commercial fleets and logistics. |
| 4. | Autotalks | Autotalks specializes in Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication chipsets that enable vehicles to “talk” to each other and to road infrastructure, improving safety and preventing collisions at intersections or blind spots. |
| 5. | Arbe Robotics | Arbe develops 4D imaging radar technology that detects and classifies objects around a vehicle with high precision, ensuring safety under complex road and weather conditions. |
| 6. | Valens Semiconductor | Valens designs high-speed connectivity chipsets used in automotive and audio-visual systems, enabling data transmission between sensors, cameras, and infotainment units inside vehicles. |
| 7. | City Transformer | City Transformer has created a compact urban electric vehicle that can adjust its width for city driving or parking. It addresses urban congestion and sustainability challenges through innovative vehicle design. |
Conclusion: Partnering Toward the Future of Mobility
Israel’s journey in smart mobility demonstrates how innovation can reshape an entire industry. With strong research institutions, a vibrant startup ecosystem, and global collaboration, Israel continues to deliver solutions that enhance transportation safety, sustainability, and efficiency.
Now is the time for governments, investors, and industry leaders to engage with Israel’s mobility ecosystem — to explore joint ventures, pilot programs, and knowledge exchange that accelerate the next phase of transport innovation. If your organization is looking to collaborate, pilot new mobility technologies, or explore investment opportunities in Israel’s thriving smart mobility sector, reach out and be part of building the future of transport today.
If you would like to learn more, please reach out to our trade officer Lachlan Corne at: Lachlan.Corne@israeltrade.gov.il
israeltrade.org.au 