- Pony AI has launched commercial robotaxi services in Zagreb in partnership with Verne and Uber, marking a European first.
- The launch expands the Chinese company's global footprint and advances its goal of reaching a 3,000-vehicle fleet this year.
Pony AI announced today that it has launched Europe's first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia, following a partnership agreement with Verne and Uber late last month.
Starting today, the local public can book and pay for Pony AI-powered robotaxi rides using the Verne app. The service will soon be available on the Uber app as well.
The service's initial coverage area spans about 90 square kilometers across the wider city center of the Croatian capital.
The daily operational zone includes several key core districts of the city, as well as the busy Zagreb Airport.
These robotaxis will provide continuous commercial service for local passengers daily from 7 am to 9 pm.
The rapid commercial roll-out comes just two weeks after Pony AI, Verne and Uber officially announced their European partnership.
Verne will act as the fleet owner and take primary responsibility for leading local daily operations, market readiness and complex regulatory execution.
Pony AI contributes its autonomous driving platform and operational expertise to the tripartite collaboration.
Current road testing and actual commercial operations primarily utilize BAIC's Arcfox Alpha T5 models equipped with Pony AI's seventh-generation autonomous driving system.
The autonomous driving startup recently achieved a historic unit economics breakeven milestone for its seventh-generation system in two tier-one Chinese cities.
Zagreb validates the capabilities of Pony AI's seventh-generation robotaxi technology in a new market, said James Peng, the company's founder and CEO.
The three companies plan to expand the commercial robotaxi fleet to thousands of vehicles in the coming years, and extend into more European cities and other international markets.
The European deployment is Pony AI's latest move to expand its global commercial footprint and accelerate its international commercialization process.
The company expects this joint deployment model to continuously drive rapid fleet growth and help achieve its goal of reaching a 3,000-vehicle fleet by the end of this year.
Yesterday, Pony AI announced it had received approval from Singaporean regulators to launch an invite-only autonomous ride-hailing service, marking the final stage before a public roll-out.
