From the bustling streets of Zagreb, Croatia, to the winding roads of Europe, a trio of heavyweights is already making waves in the world of driverless technology. Verne, a subsidiary of Rimac Technology, has joined forces with Pony.ai and Uber to launch Europe’s first commercial robotaxis, bringing a new era of transportation to the continent.
The unlikely partnership between these companies is set to revolutionize the way people get around, starting with the deployment of driverless taxis in Croatia’s capital city. With development work already in progress, including public-road validation, the commercial service is expected to be available soon in Zagreb.
The first vehicle to hit the streets will be the Chinese-made Arcfox Alpha T5, an electric crossover with an impressive range of 273 miles. Equipped with Pony.ai’s cutting-edge autonomous driving system, this innovative vehicle will pave the way for a fleet of thousands of robotaxis to roam the streets of Europe in the coming years.
While details about safety measures are still unclear, the plan is to expand the service to more European cities and other markets once regulatory approvals are in place and sufficient real-world data has been collected. Verne will act as the fleet owner and service operator, coordinating the deployment of Pony.ai’s self-driving taxis across its network, as well as integrating them into Uber’s global ride-hailing platform.
As part of the partnership, Uber will invest in Verne and support the company’s expansion plans, solidifying its position as a strategic partner in the robotaxi venture. This collaboration marks just one of the many autonomous vehicle projects that Uber is involved in, showcasing the company’s dedication to shaping the future of transportation.
With Europe’s first commercial robotaxis on the horizon, the race for driverless technology is heating up in the region. As Verne, Pony.ai, and Uber work together to bring autonomous taxis to the streets of Croatia, the world watches in anticipation of what the future holds for the world of transportation.