Verne, Pony.ai, and Uber Launch Commercial Robotaxi Service in Europe

Autonomous Driving Verne, Pony.ai, and Uber Launch Commercial Robotaxi Service in Europe

2026-04-01 From Stefanie Eckardt | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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Verne, the robotaxi service from Croatian electric vehicle manufacturer Rimac, Pony AI and Uber have entered into a strategic partnership. The three companies want to launch a commercial robotaxi service in Europe. This is due to start shortly in Zagreb.

Verne, Pony.ai and Uber want to launch a robotaxi service in Europe.(Image: Verne) — Verne, Pony.ai and Uber want to launch a robotaxi service in Europe.
(Image: Verne)

As part of their collaboration and project, Verne, Pony.ai and Uber have already started the preparatory work, including validation on public roads. Pony.ai's Generation 7 autonomous driving system, which is installed in the Arcfox Alpha T5 robotaxi, will be used for the test drives in the Croatian capital Zagreb.

Planned Investments by Uber in Verne

Verne will lead the process of ensuring market readiness and obtaining European regulatory approvals for these launches. At the same time, the Rimac subsidiary will coordinate the deployment of Pony.ai's robotaxis across its own network and Uber's network. This approach will ensure consistent performance, safety and user experience and create a scalable framework for expansion into additional markets. As part of the partnership, Uber intends to invest in Verne and support its future expansion as a strategic partner.

Will Verne Put Its Own Autonomous Vehicles On the Road?

Does this partnership go hand in hand with earlier announcements? After all, Rimac presented plans for its own robotaxi service Verne - named after Jules Verne - in June 2024. The aim is to establish an ecosystem based on an autonomous electric vehicle, specialized infrastructure and a platform for mobility services. Verne wanted to produce the self-driving, electric two-seater based on Mobileye's self-driving technology himself. The electric vehicle was to be completely autonomous without a steering wheel or pedals.

In November 2025, Verne announced that it had produced and tested 60 verification prototypes. "Our current focus is on the continuous testing of autonomous driving systems in Zagreb as well as further preparations required for the launch of the service, which is planned for spring 2026," the press release stated at the time. (se)

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