Introduction: Expanding Autonomous Mobility into Europe

Chinese robotaxi company Pony.ai announced on Friday a collaboration with Stellantis to begin testing self-driving taxis in Europe. The partnership marks a strategic step for Pony.ai as it aims to expand its autonomous mobility services beyond China and the U.S., targeting European urban centers for its next phase of growth.

Details of the Partnership and Testing Plans

The two companies plan to start testing in Luxembourg, where Pony.ai’s European division is based, with tests expected to begin in the coming months. According to the companies, a gradual rollout across European cities is planned for 2026, following successful testing and regulatory approvals.

Under the partnership:

• Pony.ai will provide the autonomous driving software.
• Stellantis — owner of brands including Chrysler, Citroën, and Jeep — will supply the electric vehicles, starting with the Peugeot e-Traveller.

Such testing is standard for mass-market robotaxi deployment, as companies must establish a proven safety record on public roads before receiving full regulatory approval for commercial services.

Industry Perspective: Expertise and Collaboration

Ned Curic, Stellantis’ Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, praised Pony.ai for its technical expertise and collaborative approach, noting that Stellantis has developed in-house car systems designed for autonomous driving integration. The partnership aims to combine cutting-edge software with reliable electric vehicle platforms, positioning the collaboration to compete effectively in the growing European robotaxi market.

Major cities in the U.S. and China have already become early adopters of public-facing robotaxis, offering a model for safe, regulatory-compliant expansion.

Global Context and Competitor Activity

Pony.ai has been actively expanding in recent years, including efforts to reach the Middle East and Europe. Its U.S. competitor, Waymo — owned by Alphabet — announced plans to start robotaxi tests in London ahead of a commercial launch next year, highlighting the intensifying global competition in autonomous mobility.

Both Pony.ai and its Chinese rival WeRide are publicly listed in the U.S., and recently received Chinese regulatory approval for a dual listing in Hong Kong, signaling investor confidence and strategic growth ambitions.

Conclusion: Pioneering the Future of Urban Mobility in Europe

The collaboration between Pony.ai and Stellantis represents a major milestone in bringing autonomous taxi services to European cities. By combining Pony.ai’s autonomous driving technology with Stellantis’ electric vehicles, the partnership aims to pave the way for safe, sustainable, and scalable robotaxi services.

As testing in Luxembourg progresses and broader rollouts begin next year, the partnership will serve as a key benchmark for Europe’s autonomous vehicle ecosystem, shaping regulatory frameworks, consumer adoption, and competition in the fast-evolving global robotaxi industry.