Uber Partners With Pony AI and Verne to Launch Europe’s First Robotaxi Service in Zagreb

Quick Facts

• Uber, Pony AI, and Verne announced plans to launch Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia, starting spring 2026
• The partnership will use Pony AI’s Gen-7 autonomous driving system deployed on purpose-built Verne vehicles with 60 kWh batteries and 14-hour driving range
• Companies plan to scale to thousands of robotaxis across multiple European cities, with Verne already signing agreements with 11 other cities in Europe and the Middle East

Uber announced a three-way partnership with autonomous vehicle company Pony AI and Croatian robotaxi startup Verne to launch Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service. The service will begin in Zagreb, Croatia, in spring 2026.

The partnership combines Pony AI’s autonomous driving technology, Verne’s fleet operations, and Uber’s ride-hailing platform. On-road testing has already begun in Zagreb using Pony AI’s Gen-7 autonomous driving system.

“By bringing together Pony.ai’s proven autonomous driving technology, Verne’s operational and market expertise, and Uber’s global platform, we’re taking an important step toward making autonomous ride-hailing available to more riders in more places,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.

Verne will manufacture its autonomous vehicles at a 28,500 square meter facility in Zagreb. The two-seat robotaxis feature 60 kWh LFP batteries, 14 hours of continuous driving capability, 43-inch infotainment screens, and fully reclining lounge seats.

The companies plan to scale operations to thousands of vehicles over the next few years. Verne has signed agreements with 11 other cities in Europe and the Middle East and plans to expand to the UK and Germany after Zagreb.

Pony AI currently operates 26 rides per car per day across its existing markets in the UAE, Qatar, and Singapore, delivering more than 25,000 daily rides total. The company achieved unit economics breakeven in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, China.

The global robotaxi market is projected to grow from $0.61 billion in 2025 to $147.25 billion by 2033, representing a 99.1% compound annual growth rate. Europe is expected to hold the largest market share at 36% in 2025.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi expects the company to offer robotaxi services in more than 10 countries by late 2026. The EU passed the General Safety Regulation in July 2022, creating the first legal framework for fully autonomous vehicles on European roads.

Read more: Uber aims to launch Europe’s first robotaxi service with Pony AI and Verne