Pony.ai, Uber to deploy 2,000 robotaxis in Europe

Chinese autonomous driving company Pony.ai and U.S.-based ride-hailing platform Uber announced a strategic partnership to deploy more than 2,000 robotaxis in Europe by 2026.

The collaboration will integrate Pony.ai’s self-driving technology with Uber’s Mobility-as-a-Service platform, enabling on-demand autonomous ride services in major European cities. The initial phase is expected to begin in 2025, with full deployment across key markets by 2026.

Pony.ai, which operates in China and the U.S., will provide the autonomous vehicle fleet and software systems, while Uber will handle ride dispatching, customer interfaces and operational logistics. The companies did not disclose financial terms or specific markets for the rollout.

The partnership underscores growing momentum in Europe’s autonomous vehicle sector, where regulators are increasingly testing regulatory frameworks for commercial robotaxi services. Industry analysts note that the deployment could accelerate competition with traditional ride-hailing models and reduce operational costs for mobility providers.

Uber has previously tested autonomous vehicles in select U.S. markets, while Pony.ai has operated robotaxi services in Guangzhou and Beijing. The expansion into Europe marks a significant step for both companies in scaling autonomous mobility solutions globally.