Croatian Startup Verne Partners with Uber and Pony.ai to Pioneer Robotaxi Services in Europe

Verne, a Croatian startup founded by Mate Rimac of Rimac Group fame, is preparing to launch a commercial robotaxi service in Europe through a strategic partnership with Uber and Pony.ai. This collaboration aims to bring autonomous ride-hailing to Zagreb, Croatia, with plans to expand across the continent.

Verne focuses on developing the electric vehicle platform, ride-hailing app, and operational infrastructure necessary to manage a robotaxi fleet. Unlike other players, it does not develop its own autonomous driving system but relies on Pony.ai’s technology and vehicles, specifically the Arcfox Alpha T5.

Testing is already underway in Zagreb, with the initial commercial service expected to use Pony.ai’s vehicles. Users will be able to hail rides via Uber’s platform or Verne’s own app, combining new technology with established ride-hailing networks.

Production of Verne’s own two-seater robotaxi EVs is planned at a new factory in Lučko, Croatia, later this year. While these vehicles are still in development, the company has tested multiple prototypes.

Verne’s goal is to scale from a small initial fleet to thousands of robotaxis over the next few years, addressing the need for autonomous urban mobility solutions that move beyond testing to real-world deployment.

This partnership highlights a critical step in the evolution of autonomous transportation, combining innovative vehicle design, autonomous technology, and ride-hailing infrastructure to reshape urban mobility in Europe and beyond.