Uber Accelerates European Robotaxi Expansion with Pony.ai Deal for 2,000 Self-Driving Cars

Last updated: August 14, 2026 7:33 am

1 week ago

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Uber is partnering with Chinese autonomous driving company Pony.ai to deploy 2,000 robotaxis across Europe and expand into the Middle East. This initiative builds on their recent launch of Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia.

The collaboration aims to solidify Uber’s position as a leading platform for autonomous vehicle commercialization by leveraging a large fleet to gather crucial data and improve operational efficiency.

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Uber is significantly expanding its autonomous vehicle footprint in Europe through a pivotal partnership with Chinese AI firm Pony.ai. The ride-hailing giant and its self-driving technology partner plan to deploy 2,000 robotaxis across the continent, marking a major push into the European market.

This ambitious plan extends beyond Europe, with the companies also agreeing to collaborate in the Middle East, signaling a broad global strategy for autonomous ride-hailing. This move follows the recent launch of a commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia, which Uber and Pony.ai claim is the first of its kind in Europe. The service in Zagreb began in spring 2026, powered by Pony.ai's technology and backed by Uber's platform.

Uber Accelerates European Robotaxi Expansion with Pony.ai Deal for 2,000 Self-Driving Cars

Backed by Uber and powered by Chinese company Pony.ai, Croatia's Verne has rolled out robotaxi services in the capital city Zagreb since spring 2026.

Marko Perkov | Afp | Getty Images

The new European rollout will introduce robotaxis to four additional unnamed cities, though a specific timeline has not yet been disclosed. Building a substantial fleet is crucial for the commercial viability of robotaxis, as it allows for the collection of extensive data needed to prove safety to regulators, enhance operational efficiency, and attract a wider user base.

Uber's strategy, as articulated by CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, is to establish itself as the premier global commercialization platform for autonomous vehicles. This involves accumulating a vast dataset that can be shared with partners to expedite the development of self-driving technology. Khosrowshahi emphasized the importance of gathering "a super set of data" to accelerate progress.

The company is also making strides in other global markets. In June, Uber announced a partnership with WeRide to pilot robotaxi services in Madrid, building on existing collaborations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Additionally, Uber's Japanese subsidiary recently signed an agreement with Hinomaru Kotsu for a robotaxi pilot deployment in Tokyo later this year.

This expansion places Uber and Pony.ai in direct competition with other major players in the autonomous driving space. Alphabet's Waymo, the current global leader with a fleet of approximately 5,000 vehicles primarily operating in the U.S., is also expanding its international presence. Waymo is reportedly testing rides in London and has established new entities in four major European economies, with plans also underway in Tokyo. Chinese companies like Baidu Apollo Go and WeRide are also actively testing and planning operations in Europe.

Pony.ai is scheduled to release its quarterly earnings on Tuesday.