Uber Teams with Pony.ai and Verne to Launch Europe’s First Paid Robotaxi Service in Zagreb
Uber has partnered with Pony.ai and Croatian startup Verne to begin on-road testing of BAIC-manufactured Arcfox Alpha T5 robo-taxis powered by Pony.ai’s Gen-7 system in Zagreb, with paid rides slated to start shortly. Verne will operate the fleet and Uber will integrate the service into its ride-hailing app.
1. Partnership Structure
Uber has formed a three-way partnership with autonomous technology provider Pony.ai and Croatian operator Verne. Pony.ai will supply its Gen-7 driving system, Verne will handle fleet ownership, operations and European regulatory approvals, and Uber will integrate the robotaxi service into its global ride-hailing platform and invest in Verne.
2. Pilot Launch in Zagreb
On-road testing has commenced in Zagreb using BAIC-manufactured Arcfox Alpha T5 vehicles equipped with Pony.ai’s Gen-7 system. The partners plan to transition from free trials to paid rides in the coming weeks through Uber’s app.
3. Expansion Roadmap
Following the Zagreb pilot, Uber aims to scale the service across multiple European markets with ambitions to deploy thousands of robotaxis over time. The initiative leverages strategic partnerships to accelerate commercialization and enhance cost efficiencies in autonomous ride-hailing.