Editorial illustration for Uber partners with Pony AI and Verne to launch Europe's first robotaxi service
Uber Launches First European Robotaxi Service with AI
Uber partners with Pony AI and Verne to launch Europe's first robotaxi service
Europe has never seen a robotaxi service on the scale Uber envisions. The company’s push into autonomous mobility comes at a moment when cities are tightening regulations around driver‑less vehicles, and riders are still wary of handing over control to a machine. Uber’s ambition is simple: blend its massive ride‑hail platform with a fleet that can navigate streets without a human behind the wheel.
To make that happen, it has turned to two specialists. One brings a proven track record of self‑driving cars on busy Chinese roads; the other stems from a high‑performance car lineage, promising engineering chops that could survive Europe’s varied traffic conditions. The partnership splits responsibilities—Uber supplies the customer base and the booking infrastructure, while the other firms handle the cars themselves and the autonomous software.
The arrangement marks a notable step toward a fully integrated, on‑demand driverless network, and it raises questions about how quickly such a model can move from test lanes to everyday streets.
*It's latest partners are Pony AI, which is currently operating autonomous vehicles in a number of Chinese cities, and Verne, which spun off of supercar maker Rimac. Under the terms of the deal, Uber will provide the ridehail network, along with the customers; Verne will manage the fleet; and Pony AI*
It's latest partners are Pony AI, which is currently operating autonomous vehicles in a number of Chinese cities, and Verne, which spun off of supercar maker Rimac. Under the terms of the deal, Uber will provide the ridehail network, along with the customers; Verne will manage the fleet; and Pony AI will develop the autonomous driving technology. The first service will be in Zagreb, with more European markets to follow.
And the ultimate goal is to scale the fleet to "thousands of robotaxis" over the next few years. Currently, the companies are validating the technology on the streets of Zagreb using Pony AI's Arcfox Alpha T5 Robotaxi, equipped with the Chinese company's 7th generation technology stack. The vehicle was jointly developed and manufactured with state-owned Beijing Automotive Group Co (BAIC).
Once the companies start charging fares, they anticipate it being Europe's first commercial robotaxi service. Waymo has said it intends to launch a robotaxi service in London sometime in 2026. Uber is also testing self-driving cars with Momenta in Germany.
And Volkswagen has said it will launch an autonomous ridesharing service under its subsidiary Moia, also in Germany. As for Verne, there haven't been many updates since it was first announced as a robotai side project to Rimac.
Will European commuters see driverless rides soon? Uber says its partnership with Pony AI and Verne will bring the continent its first commercially available robotaxi service. The plan hinges on vehicles already being tested in Zagreb, where Verne, a spin‑off of Rimac, runs the fleet, while Pony AI supplies the autonomous software honed in several Chinese cities.
Uber will simply plug the service into its existing ride‑hail platform and funnel customers to the driverless cars. Yet the rollout timeline remains vague, and regulatory approval in other European markets has not been addressed. The collaboration outlines clear roles—Uber provides the network, Verne manages the cars, and Pony AI handles the self‑driving technology—but it does not disclose safety metrics or pricing structures.
Without those details, observers are left questioning how the service will compare to conventional rides. Unclear whether the pilot in Croatia will scale beyond the test phase, the initiative nonetheless marks a notable step toward integrating autonomous vehicles into everyday transport. A bold move.
Further Reading
- The Electric Robotaxi Revolution Is Arriving In Europe In 2026 - Eleport
- Europe: Bolt partners with Pony.AI to launch robotaxis for Europe in 2026 - EVwire
- March 19, 2026 - Uber Wants Everyone's Robotaxis - Telemetry Agency
- Uber Unveils Uber Autonomous Solutions to Accelerate Autonomous Mobility & Delivery Worldwide - Uber Investor Relations
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Common Questions Answered
Which companies are partnering with Uber to launch Europe's first robotaxi service?
Uber is partnering with Pony AI, an autonomous vehicle technology company operating in Chinese cities, and Verne, a spin-off from supercar maker Rimac. Under the partnership, Pony AI will develop the autonomous driving technology, Verne will manage the fleet, and Uber will provide the ride-hail network and customers.
Where will Uber's first robotaxi service be launched in Europe?
The first robotaxi service will be launched in Zagreb, Croatia. Uber plans to expand the service to more European markets in the future, with the ultimate goal of scaling the fleet to thousands of autonomous vehicles.
What are the key challenges facing Uber's robotaxi service in Europe?
Uber faces challenges including tightening city regulations around driverless vehicles and rider hesitation about autonomous transportation. The success of the service will depend on building consumer trust and navigating complex regulatory environments across different European markets.