Uber and Pony.ai to deploy 2,000 robotaxis across Europe
The ride-hailing giant and autonomous vehicle developer are scaling their joint-deployment model, with Pony.ai supplying technology and Uber providing the platform, while fleet management and ownership structures are left to local partners.
Uber and Pony.ai have announced an expanded partnership to deploy a fleet of 2,000 robotaxis across four cities in Europe. The collaboration marks a significant scaling of operations for both companies as they seek to establish a foothold in the European market, building upon their initial focus on the Middle East and a planned commercial service in Zagreb, Croatia.
Under the terms of the expanded agreement, Pony.ai will supply the autonomous vehicle technology, while Uber will provide its ride-hailing platform. The companies described this arrangement as a “joint-deployment model” designed to facilitate a clearer path to commercial scale. Details regarding maintenance, cleaning, and charging of the fleet can be managed by local providers, and ownership of the robotaxis may vary depending on the specific market.
The announcement follows an initial partnership formed in May 2025, which was primarily focused on the Middle East. Earlier this year, the two firms announced plans to launch a commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb in cooperation with local company Verne. Pony.ai has previously launched operations in four Chinese cities and has secured partnerships with local transportation authorities in several countries, including Qatar.
Uber has worked with more than 30 autonomous vehicle companies over the past several years. The latest move with Pony.ai illustrates the growing ambitions of both firms to carve out market share in what is described as a nascent robotaxi industry.
Specific cities in Europe where the robotaxis will launch have not been named, nor has a deployment timeline been shared. The companies stated that further details would be revealed in phases.
