Europe’s First Commercial Robotaxi Service Launches in Zagreb with Uber, Pony.ai, and Verne Partnership
Uber, in collaboration with Chinese autonomous driving company Pony.ai and Croatian startup Verne, is set to launch Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia. The partnership aims to deploy a fleet of thousands of robotaxis across Europe in the coming years, beginning with on-road testing already underway in Croatia’s capital.
Partnership Details and Roles
Pony.ai will provide the autonomous driving technology, utilizing its Gen-7 autonomous driving system deployed on the Arcfox Alpha T5 robotaxi, developed with Chinese automaker BAIC. Verne will own and operate the robotaxi fleet, handling regulatory approvals and the overall service operation. Uber will integrate the robotaxi service into its existing ride-hailing platform, offering customers another transportation option alongside Verne’s own customer-facing app. Uber also intends to invest in Verne as a strategic partner.
Initial Deployment and Expansion Plans
The initial phase of the project involves on-road testing in Zagreb, with preparations underway for fare-charging services. The companies plan to expand the service to other cities in Europe and potentially beyond, scaling to a fleet of thousands of vehicles over the next few years. Zagreb is emerging as the first market in Europe for commercial robotaxi service.
Verne’s Unique Approach
Verne, co-founded by Mate Rimac, is designing a purpose-built, two-seat electric pod without traditional controls like steering wheels or pedals. The vehicle aims to offer a premium passenger experience, with legroom comparable to a Rolls-Royce, at a cost lower than existing ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt. While Verne’s own vehicle is still under development, the initial rollout will utilize the Pony.ai-powered Arcfox Alpha T5. The company is leading the process of securing European regulatory approval for the service.
Uber’s Broader Robotaxi Strategy
This partnership is part of Uber’s broader strategy to expand its robotaxi offerings. The company is also piloting robotaxi services in Tokyo with Nissan and Wayve, scheduled to launch in late 2026, and has already begun offering robotaxi rides in Las Vegas using Hyundai Ioniq 5 autonomous EVs developed in partnership with Motional.
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