Pony AI has partnered with Uber and Croatian startup Verne to launch what the companies describe as Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service, starting in Zagreb.
The collaboration will initially deploy an autonomous vehicle fleet in Zagreb, where public road validation and testing are already underway. Pony AI will provide its autonomous driving technology, while Verne will own the fleet and oversee day-to-day operations. Uber will integrate the robotaxi offering into its global ride-hailing platform, alongside Verne’s own user-facing services.
The partners plan to expand the fleet to thousands of vehicles over the coming years, with a broader rollout across additional European cities and international markets.
Current testing involves robotaxis based on the Arcfox Alpha T5 model equipped with Pony AI’s seventh-generation autonomous driving system. As preparations for commercial operations progress, Zagreb is positioned to become the first European city to host a fare-charging robotaxi service.
Verne will lead regulatory processes and secure approvals for autonomous vehicle deployment in Europe, aiming to establish a scalable operational framework for future expansion.
Uber also plans to make a strategic investment in Verne to support its growth in Europe and beyond, reinforcing its broader strategy of integrating autonomous driving technologies into its platform.
James Peng said the partnership combines global platform reach with local operational expertise, enabling the company to accelerate international commercialization.
The initiative reflects Pony AI’s ongoing global expansion, following plans to introduce similar services in the Middle East later this year. It also highlights Uber’s growing collaboration with Chinese autonomous driving companies, including previous agreements with WeRide, Momenta and Baidu’s Apollo Go.