Pony AI expands into Europe with Uber partnership to deploy robotaxis in Croatia
Chinese autonomous driving company Pony AI is accelerating its global expansion by entering the European market through a robotaxi partnership with Uber and local start up Verne. The initiative will begin in Zagreb, Croatia, where early stage testing is already underway, marking a significant step toward commercial deployment of self driving ride services in the region. The move highlights growing momentum among Chinese mobility firms to establish a presence overseas as competition intensifies in the autonomous vehicle sector and companies seek new markets for large scale rollout.
The partnership aims to introduce fleets of robotaxis across multiple European cities over the coming years, with a focus on achieving consistent safety performance and operational reliability before scaling. The initial deployment in Zagreb uses Pony AI’s latest Gen 7 autonomous driving system integrated into electric sport utility vehicles manufactured by Chinese state owned automaker BAIC. While specific launch timelines and fleet sizes have not been disclosed, the companies confirmed that the first batch of vehicles is expected to begin operations in the near term.
Pony AI’s entry into Europe reflects a broader industry shift toward international commercialization of autonomous mobility solutions. Companies are moving beyond pilot programs in domestic markets to test regulatory adaptability and consumer acceptance in different regions. Europe presents both opportunity and complexity, with strict safety standards and diverse regulatory frameworks across countries. By partnering with Uber, Pony AI gains access to an established mobility platform, while local collaboration with Verne supports navigation of regional infrastructure and compliance requirements.
The development also underscores the rapid progress of Chinese self driving technology in recent years. Firms like Pony AI have invested heavily in advanced perception systems, artificial intelligence models and large scale data training to improve driving accuracy and safety. The Gen 7 platform represents an evolution in these capabilities, designed to handle complex urban environments with higher reliability. As electric vehicles and autonomous systems converge, the combination is expected to play a central role in the future of urban transportation.
Industry analysts view the partnership as part of a growing trend where technology providers and ride hailing platforms collaborate to accelerate deployment. Uber has increasingly positioned itself as a global distribution network for autonomous vehicles, working with multiple partners rather than developing its own systems. For Pony AI, the collaboration offers a pathway to scale operations faster while reducing market entry barriers. The involvement of BAIC also reflects China’s integrated approach, linking vehicle manufacturing with autonomous software development.
The European rollout comes at a time when governments and regulators are exploring frameworks to support autonomous mobility while ensuring public safety. Pilot programs in cities like Zagreb allow companies to gather real world data and refine operations before expanding further. Success in these early deployments could open doors to additional markets, particularly as urban centers look for solutions to reduce congestion and emissions. Electric robotaxis align with these goals by combining zero emission vehicles with optimized ride sharing systems.
As testing continues, attention will focus on performance metrics, user adoption and regulatory approvals that will determine the pace of expansion. Pony AI’s strategy signals confidence in its technology and its ability to compete globally, while also illustrating how Chinese firms are increasingly shaping the future of mobility beyond their domestic market. The coming months are expected to provide clearer indications of how quickly robotaxi services can transition from pilot phases to mainstream urban transport solutions across Europe.
