Uber plans to launch Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service through a strategic collaboration with Chinese self-driving company Pony.ai and Croatian startup Verne. Zagreb will host the service, marking a significant step in the spread of autonomous ride-hailing in Europe. No launch date has been set, but initial deployment is already underway.
Each company will play a distinct role in the rollout. Uber will provide the scale of its ride-hailing platform, Pony.ai will supply the autonomous driving technology, and Verne will operate the service and pursue regulatory approval. The first robotaxis will use Chinese automaker BAIC’s ARCFOX Alpha T5, a compact electric SUV first unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show and equipped with Pony.ai’s seventh-generation autonomous driving system.
The system combines Artificial Intelligence with a sensor package that includes nine Lidar units, 14 cameras, and four millimeter-wave radars. Because the technology can be integrated into different vehicles, Pony.ai’s system could later be fitted into a robotaxi developed by Verne. Verne has backing from Mate Rimac, who is known for the 256mph electric Rimac Nevera hypercar and unveiled plans for a robotaxi in 2024.
Development of Verne’s own vehicle is continuing, with production of the two-seat hatch potentially starting later this year or in 2027 at a factory in Lučko, Croatia. Uber has also been expanding its autonomous vehicle partnerships more broadly, including recent plans involving Japan, Nissan and Wayve, as well as an investment in Rivian that could reach $1.25 billion and support the production of 50,000 autonomous cabs. Uber previously said it would offer Pony.ai robotaxis in the Middle East.
Alongside the Zagreb deployment, Uber said it intends to invest in Verne and support future expansion as a strategic partner. The companies aim to move into other European cities and markets, with a fleet of “thousands of robotaxis” targeted for the next few years.
