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
Europe's first driverless taxi won't come from Google or a German automaker. It's coming from Zagreb, and Uber is betting on an odd pair to make it real.
The company is linking Pony AI, a Chinese firm already running robotaxis in Beijing and Guangzhou, with Verne, a quiet autonomous vehicle spin-off from Croatian hypercar builder Rimac. The plan is to launch a commercial service in the Croatian capital, then push it across the continent. Uber provides the app and the customers.
Verne handles the fleet of vehicles. Pony AI supplies the software that actually drives the cars.
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.
Uber isn't alone. The map is filling in. Waymo wants London by 2026.
Volkswagen's Moia is preparing something in Germany. Uber itself is already testing with another firm, Momenta, also in Germany. But this Zagreb deal is the most concrete.
It splits the immense risk of launching a robotaxi service three ways. The technology, from a Chinese leader, is being tested right now on European streets in a vehicle built with a state-owned car company. The operator is a niche supercar firm's side project.
The platform is Uber. If it works in one city, scaling to thousands of cars is just a matter of money and manufacturing. For a decade, robotaxis have been a promise.
This might be the start of a service.
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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.
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
