Pony.ai launches commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, signaling European expansion
Pony.ai began operating a commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia on April 8, partnering with autonomous mobility operator Verne and Uber. The service is available to residents through Verne's app, with Uber integration planned for later.
The deployment covers roughly 90 square kilometers, including central Zagreb and the airport. Service hours run from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with plans to expand citywide.
Two-week turnaround reflects operational readiness
The launch came just two weeks after the partnership announcement. For operations teams evaluating autonomous vehicle providers, this speed matters: it demonstrates Pony.ai's ability to move from agreement to live service quickly in new markets.
The company's approach divides responsibilities clearly. Pony.ai provides the self-driving technology and operational expertise. Verne handles fleet ownership and day-to-day operations. Uber connects riders to the service. This structure lets each party focus on what it does best.
Part of a broader global strategy
Zagreb represents Pony.ai's entry into European commercial operations. The company has already tested in Luxembourg and is running operations in Qatar and Singapore. It's conducting open-road tests in Seoul and has permits in the United Arab Emirates.
Pony.ai achieved unit-level profitability for its seventh-generation robotaxi fleet in Chinese cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The Zagreb deployment tests whether that model works across different regulatory environments and operating conditions.
The company targets 3,000 operational robotaxis by the end of 2026.
What operations professionals should watch
For teams managing mobility operations or evaluating autonomous vehicle deployments, the Zagreb model shows a specific playbook: technology provider plus local operator plus ride-hailing platform. The division of labor reduces risk and lets partners scale without building everything themselves.
The two-week deployment timeline also signals that regulatory approval in some European markets may move faster than expected, which affects planning for other cities considering similar services.
Your membership also unlocks:
