Uber Technologies has entered into a three-way partnership with Pony.ai and Verne to deliver what the companies describe as Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service, with initial operations planned for Croatia’s capital, Zagreb. Under the arrangement, Pony.ai will supply the autonomous driving systems, while Verne, a Croatian autonomous vehicle startup, will serve as fleet owner and handle day-to-day operations.
Uber will make the robotaxi service available through its global ride-hailing platform, running alongside Verne’s existing customer-facing application. The companies said they intend to create a scalable path toward commercial robotaxi services in Zagreb and, over time, to extend into additional European cities and other markets. They added plans to scale to a fleet of thousands of robotaxis over the next few years.
As part of the agreement, Uber will also invest in Verne and act as a strategic partner to support the startup’s expansion. The three partners have already commenced on-road testing in Zagreb and are preparing for services that will charge fares to riders.
Verne is tasked with leading the effort to obtain necessary European regulatory approvals for launches and will coordinate deployment of Pony.ai’s robotaxis across both Verne’s and Uber’s platforms. The companies emphasized the regulatory and deployment coordination responsibilities that Verne will undertake as fleet owner.
The move is set against a broader backdrop of Uber’s activity in autonomous systems: the company has formed partnerships with nearly two dozen autonomous vehicle technology firms across a range of use cases - from robotaxis and trucking to sidewalk delivery robots and drones. Uber has pursued these ties as interest in driverless taxi services has grown.
Clear summary
Uber, Pony.ai and Verne will launch a commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb. Pony.ai will provide autonomous driving technology, Verne will own and operate the fleet and lead regulatory engagement, and Uber will integrate the service into its platform. On-road testing is already underway and fare-charging preparations are in progress, with an ambition to grow the operation to thousands of vehicles in the coming years.
Key points
- Pony.ai supplies the autonomous driving technology; Verne will be fleet owner and manage day-to-day operations.
- Uber will integrate the robotaxi service into its global ride-hailing platform while Verne maintains its own app; the partners plan to scale to a fleet of thousands over the next few years.
- Verne will lead efforts to secure European regulatory approval and coordinate deployment across platforms; Uber has broader partnerships with nearly two dozen AV technology companies across multiple use cases.
Risks and uncertainties
- Regulatory approval - Verne must obtain European regulatory clearances to launch services, which introduces timing and compliance uncertainty affecting deployment and commercialization.
- Scaling execution - the plan to expand to thousands of robotaxis over the next few years is an ambition that depends on successful technology deployment, operations and market acceptance.
- Operational and integration coordination - coordinating deployment of Pony.ai’s robotaxis across both Verne’s and Uber’s platforms requires complex operational alignment among the partners.