Uber & Pony.ai to Deploy 2,000 Robotaxis Across Europe
Original: Uber and Pony.ai plan to bring 2,000 robotaxis to Europe
Why This Matters
The deal signals accelerating cross-border expansion of commercial robotaxi services into the European market.
Uber and Chinese autonomous vehicle company Pony.ai announced plans to expand their partnership, deploying 2,000 robotaxis across four European cities. Specific cities and timelines were not disclosed, with details to be revealed in phases.
Uber and Guangzhou-based autonomous vehicle maker Pony.ai have announced an expanded partnership targeting the European robotaxi market, with plans to deploy 2,000 vehicles across four cities. The companies did not disclose specific city names or a deployment timeline, stating that details would be revealed in phases.
Under the "joint-deployment model," Pony.ai will supply the autonomous vehicle technology while Uber provides its ride-hailing platform. Fleet management — including maintenance, cleaning, and charging — can be handled by a local third-party provider. Vehicle ownership may also vary by market depending on local partners.
The two companies first partnered in May 2025, initially focusing on the Middle East. Earlier in 2026, they announced plans to launch a commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia, in partnership with local company Verne. Pony.ai currently operates in four Chinese cities and has secured agreements with transportation authorities in multiple European and Middle Eastern markets, including Qatar.
Uber has partnerships with more than 30 autonomous vehicle companies globally as it continues to expand its AV network strategy.