Uber and Pony.ai to Deploy Over 2,000 Robotaxis Across Europe
Uber and Pony.ai plan over 2,000 robotaxis in Europe – expanding beyond Zagreb into four more cities, with local partners running the fleets.
Illustration · AI-generated (AI IN LIFE)
At a glance
- Uber and Pony.ai plan over 2,000 robotaxis in Europe (announced August 14, 2026).
- Beyond Zagreb, four more European cities are planned; names and timeline will be revealed in phases.
- Division of labor: Pony.ai provides the tech, Uber the platform, local partners run the fleets.
- The partnership began in May 2025 with a Middle East focus.
- Pony.ai already operates in four Chinese cities; Uber partners with 30+ AV companies.
Uber and Chinese autonomous-driving developer Pony.ai are significantly expanding their partnership: more than 2,000 robotaxis are set to hit European roads, according to matching reports from TechCrunch, CNBC and Euronews.
The European push starts in Zagreb: the launch in the Croatian capital with local partner Verne was announced earlier in 2026. Four additional European cities are now set to follow – which ones, and on what timeline, will be revealed in phases.
The operating model splits responsibilities: Pony.ai supplies the autonomous driving technology, Uber provides the ride-hailing platform, and local providers handle fleet management – from maintenance and cleaning to charging. Fleet ownership varies by market.
The partnership dates back to May 2025, when it initially focused on the Middle East. Guangzhou-based Pony.ai already operates robotaxis in four Chinese cities, while Uber now works with more than 30 autonomous vehicle companies.
For Europe, the deal is a signal: after the US and China, the continent is becoming a competitive arena for autonomous mobility – combining Chinese technology, an American platform and European operators in one shared model.
FAQ
Where will the robotaxis launch first?
The first European market is Zagreb, Croatia, together with local partner Verne. Four more European cities are planned but have not yet been named.
Who operates the vehicles?
Pony.ai supplies the autonomous driving technology and Uber the ride-hailing platform. Local providers handle maintenance, cleaning and charging; ownership structures vary by market.
What is the timeline?
The companies have not given a concrete timeline for the 2,000 vehicles – cities and phases are to be announced step by step.
