Uber plans Europe's first robotaxi service with Pony AI, Verne

Uber is partnering with two companies—Pony AI from China and Verne from Croatia—to launch what they claim to be the first commercial robotaxi service in Europe. 

These vehicles are being evaluated in Zagreb, Croatia, where Verne's main office is located, and will soon be available to users through Uber’s ride-hailing platform.

This declaration is the newest initiative by Uber to mitigate the economic risks associated with robotaxis potentially surpassing the conventional ride-hailing model. 

Over the past year, the company has collaborated with numerous autonomous vehicle innovators to convince stakeholders that it can thrive in the forthcoming robotaxi period.

The latest collaborators in this venture are Pony AI, which is already running autonomous vehicles in several Chinese cities, and Verne, derived from supercar manufacturer Rimac. 

As per the arrangement, Uber will provide the ride-hailing service and customer base; Verne will oversee the vehicle fleet; and Pony AI will create the self-driving technology. 

The initial rollout will occur in Zagreb, with additional European markets to follow. The long-term aim is to expand the fleet to “thousands of robotaxis” in the coming years.

Presently, the companies are testing the technology in Zagreb using Pony AI’s Arcfox Alpha T5 Robotaxi, furnished with the Chinese company’s advanced seventh-generation technology suite. 

This vehicle was collaboratively developed with the state-run Beijing Automotive Group Co (BAIC). Once they commence fare operations, they expect it to be Europe’s pioneering commercial robotaxi service.

They face potential competition. Waymo has announced plans to unveil a robotaxi service in London at some point in 2026. 

Uber is also experimenting with autonomous vehicles in collaboration with Momenta in Germany. 

Furthermore, Volkswagen has indicated it will debut an autonomous ridesharing endeavor under its Moia arm, also in Germany.