Uber to Debut Europe’s First Robotaxi Service with Pony AI, Verne
Uber has joined Pony AI and Croatia’s Verne to bring robotaxis to Europe. The companies say they plan to debut what they call the continent’s first commercial robotaxi service.
Partnership and roles
The three partners have divided responsibilities. Uber will supply its ridehail network and customer access.
- Verne will operate and manage the vehicle fleet.
- Pony AI will provide the autonomous driving technology.
Testing in Zagreb
Trials are already under way in Zagreb, where Verne is based. The partners are validating systems on public streets.
Testing uses Pony AI’s Arcfox Alpha T5 Robotaxi with its seventh-generation technology stack. That vehicle was jointly developed and manufactured with state-owned Beijing Automotive Group Co, known as BAIC.
Commercial launch and expansion
The service will appear first on Uber’s ridehail platform in Zagreb. Additional European markets will follow over time.
The partners aim to scale the operation to thousands of robotaxis over the next few years. Once fares are charged, they expect it to be Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service.
Context and background
Uber has allied with dozens of autonomous-vehicle developers in the past year. The moves seek to reassure investors about the company’s future.
Verne and Rimac connection
Verne spun off from supercar maker Rimac. There have been few public updates about Verne since its initial announcement.
Mate Rimac, founder and CEO of Rimac Group, displayed a fleet of 60 prototype autonomous vehicles late last year. Whether those prototypes will join Uber’s fleet remains unclear.
Filmogaz.com will monitor further developments as testing proceeds and commercial service rolls out.
