Uber partners with China's Pony.ai for 2,000 robotaxis in Europe

Chinese autonomous vehicle manufacturer Pony.ai and ride-hailing giant Uber are set to introduce 2,000 robotaxis across four European cities, as part of a bolstered partnership. This move underscores their determination to gain market share in the emerging robotaxi sector. Uber's collaborations with over 30 autonomous vehicle firms, including Pony.ai, have been substantial over recent years.

Pony.ai has already operationalized in four Chinese cities and has forged alliances with local transportation authorities to extend its robotaxi services to European and Middle Eastern nations, including Qatar. Specific launch dates and city names have not been disclosed, with details to be unveiled gradually. The expanded partnership has clarified some terms, with Pony.ai's "joint-deployment model" gaining a clearer pathway to commercial viability.

This model sees Pony.ai delivering autonomous vehicle technology to Uber, which will utilize its extensive ride-hailing platform. Local entities will manage fleet maintenance, cleaning, and charging, while the composition of the robotaxi fleet might differ per market. Their initial collaboration in May 2025 focused on the Middle East.

Recently, Uber and Pony.ai shifted their focus to Europe, unveiling intentions to launch a robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia, in collaboration with local firm Verne.