Uber and Pony.ai Plan London Robotaxi Launch With Gen-7 Tests
Uber and Pony.ai will test Gen-7 robotaxis in London, expanding a European alliance targeting 2,000 vehicles as Uber scales autonomous rides across Europe.
Summary
Uber and Pony.ai said on October 8, 2026, that they will test Pony.ai’s Gen-7 robotaxis in London within weeks, extending a partnership formed in May 2025 for the Middle East. They plan to deploy 2,000 robotaxis across Europe, starting in Zagreb. London will follow a similar operating model, but its fleet owner and operator remain undisclosed. Uber now has agreements with more than 30 autonomous vehicle companies and expects to offer AV trips in as many as 15 cities by the end of 2026, roughly divided between US and international markets.
In August 2026, Uber, Pony.ai and Verne launched autonomous rides in Zagreb using Pony.ai’s driving system and the Arcfox Alpha T5, developed with Chinese automaker BAIC. Verne, established by Rimac Group founder and CEO Mate Rimac, owns and operates the fleet, while Uber supplies its ride-hailing network. Uber also plans a separate London service with British startup Wayve, whose February 2026 funding round raised $1.2 billion from Microsoft, Nvidia and Uber. A further $300 million from Uber could raise the total to $1.5 billion if Wayve deploys robotaxis, beginning in London. Uber separately works with Baidu and WeRide in Dubai. Pony.ai operates robotaxis in four Chinese cities and is pursuing expansion across Europe and the Middle East, including Qatar, through partnerships with local transportation authorities.
Positives
- Gen-7 robotaxi testing in London is scheduled to begin within weeks.
- 2,000 Pony.ai robotaxis are planned for Europe, beginning with Zagreb.
- 15 cities could offer Uber autonomous trips by the end of 2026.
- $1.2 billion raised by Wayve in February 2026 included backing from Microsoft, Nvidia and Uber.
- Four Chinese cities already have Pony.ai robotaxi services.
Risks & concerns
- London’s Pony.ai fleet owner and operator have not been disclosed.
- No commercial launch date has been announced beyond testing beginning within weeks.
- $300 million of additional Uber funding for Wayve depends on robotaxi deployment beginning in London.
- Uber’s target of autonomous trips in 15 cities by the end of 2026 remains an expectation rather than a completed rollout.