Pony.ai and Uber to Deploy Over 2,000 Robotaxis Across Europe

Pony.ai, a leading autonomous driving technology company, and Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER), the global ride-hailing giant, have announced plans to expand their strategic collaboration in Europe, aiming to deploy over 2,000 robotaxis across the continent. This expansion is seen as a crucial step towards the commercialization of autonomous mobility services and is set to strengthen the companies' presence in the European market.

The partnership initially materialized in March 2026 with the launch of Europe's first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia, in collaboration with local mobility company Verne. This pilot program officially commenced public operations in April 2026. According to the new announcement, in addition to the existing Zagreb operations, the deployment of robotaxi services is targeted for four additional cities in Europe and also includes plans for the Middle East.

Under the partnership model, Pony.ai provides its proprietary Level 4 (L4) autonomous driving technology, specifically its Gen-7 system. Uber integrates this service into its extensive global ride-hailing network, offering customer access and platform support. In the initial phase in Zagreb, Verne acted as the fleet owner and operational partner. This tripartite collaboration aims to create a scalable model by combining distinct areas of expertise in the commercialization process of autonomous vehicles.

This development positions Europe as a critical battleground for Chinese autonomous driving companies. The global robotaxi market is anticipated to experience rapid growth in the coming years, potentially reaching a value of $1 trillion by 2040. Morgan Stanley estimates that worldwide robotaxi fleets could number approximately 2.5 million vehicles by 2035. Such partnerships are vital for the widespread adoption of autonomous driving technologies, which involve high upfront costs, and for crossing the threshold of profitability.

Industry analysts suggest that this expanded partnership between Pony.ai and Uber will accelerate the commercialization momentum in the autonomous mobility sector. The companies' goal of deploying thousands of robotaxis is a significant indicator for autonomous driving to become a mainstream component of urban transportation. The market is expected to gain further traction with the upcoming announcements of deployment plans and operational details in new cities. This strategic move reinforces the potential for autonomous vehicles to transition from mere technological innovation to an integral part of daily life.