Pony.ai, Uber to deploy 2,000 robotaxis in Europe by 2026

Pony.ai and Uber Technologies Inc. announced a collaboration to deploy more than 2,000 robotaxis in Europe by 2026, marking a significant expansion of autonomous ride-hailing services on the continent.

The partnership will integrate Pony.ai’s autonomous vehicle technology with Uber’s ride-hailing platform, enabling on-demand robotaxi services in major European cities. Deployment is scheduled to begin in 2025, with full-scale operations expected by 2026, pending regulatory approvals and local infrastructure readiness.

Pony.ai, a China-based autonomous driving company, has secured partnerships with multiple European automakers to support vehicle integration and fleet management. Uber, which has been testing autonomous vehicles in select U.S. markets, will leverage its existing ride-hailing network to facilitate the expansion.

Regulatory frameworks for autonomous vehicles vary across Europe, with some countries already permitting limited robotaxi operations. Pony.ai and Uber will prioritize markets with supportive policies, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands, where pilot programs have already been established.

The initiative follows a broader trend of tech and mobility companies accelerating autonomous vehicle deployments to reduce operational costs and improve service efficiency. Analysts note that regulatory clarity and public acceptance will be critical to scaling robotaxi services beyond pilot phases.

Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed. The companies did not provide additional details on vehicle specifications or geographic expansion timelines beyond the initial deployment targets.