Uber and Pony.ai plan London robotaxi tests

Uber and Chinese autonomous vehicle company Pony.ai plan to test robotaxis in London in the coming weeks, the companies said Thursday. The tests will use Pony.ai’s Gen-7 robotaxis and are part of an expanded partnership aimed at bringing driverless cars to Europe. The companies have not announced when a service will launch.

Uber has struck deals with more than 30 autonomous vehicle companies in recent years as it pursues a share of autonomous delivery and ride-hailing markets. It expects to offer autonomous vehicle trips in as many as 15 cities globally by the end of 2026.

The companies first partnered in May 2025, focusing initially on the Middle East. Their plans have since expanded to Europe, where they intend to deploy 2,000 robotaxis, starting in Zagreb, Croatia. In August 2026, Uber, Pony.ai and Verne launched an autonomous ride-hailing service there. Pony.ai provides the driving system and Arcfox Alpha T5 robotaxi, developed with BAIC; Verne owns and operates the fleet, and Uber provides access to its ride-hailing network.

The London service is expected to follow a similar model, but the companies have not said who will own or operate the fleet. Uber has also partnered with and invested in British self-driving startup Wayve, which plans a robotaxi service in London. Wayve raised $1.2 billion in February 2026, with investments from Microsoft, Nvidia and Uber. The round could reach $1.5 billion if Uber provides an additional $300 million, contingent on Wayve deploying robotaxis, starting in London.

Pony.ai has launched robotaxi services in four Chinese cities and is pursuing expansion in Europe and the Middle East, including Qatar.