Europe's First Robotaxi Service Launches in Zagreb With Chinese Tech 2026

Europe's first commercial robotaxi service has officially launched in Zagreb, Croatia, marking a significant milestone for autonomous driving on the continent. The service, operated by Croatian startup Verne, uses 10 driverless electric vehicles and represents a major step forward for urban mobility.

While countries like the US and China have been testing and deploying robotaxis for years, Europe had largely remained a spectator. That changed when Zagreb beat major automotive hubs like Germany to become the first European city with a commercial robotaxi offering.

What Is the Zagreb Robotaxi Service?

The service is the result of a partnership between Verne, a startup from the Rimac Group ecosystem, Chinese autonomous driving company Pony.ai, and Uber. It uses 10 Arcfox Alpha T5 electric vehicles from Chinese manufacturer BAIC, each equipped with Pony.ai's seventh-generation autonomous driving system.

These vehicles are packed with 34 sensors, including 14 cameras, nine LiDARs, and four radars. This sensor suite allows the cars to detect objects up to 650 meters away and adapt to urban traffic in real time. The service is initially available through the Verne app, with integration into the Uber app planned for later.

How Does the Robotaxi Service Work?

Users request a ride through the Verne app, which handles booking, payment, and tracking. The vehicle arrives autonomously and takes passengers to their destination without a human driver behind the wheel. Although the service is in its early stages, it is fully commercial—not an experimental trial or closed test.

The launch is a bold move for Croatia, a country not traditionally known as an automotive powerhouse. However, the involvement of Rimac Group, a leader in electric hypercars, and Pony.ai, a global player in autonomous driving, gives the project significant credibility.

Why This Matters for Europe's Autonomous Future

This launch signals that Europe is finally entering the robotaxi race. Other cities, such as Madrid, have announced plans to begin testing by the end of the year, but Zagreb has stolen a march on them. The service could serve as a blueprint for other European cities looking to deploy autonomous mobility solutions.

Moreover, the partnership with Uber suggests that robotaxis could eventually become integrated into mainstream ride-hailing platforms, making them accessible to a wider audience. This could accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicles and reshape urban transportation. The longer history behind the story is traced in Madrid Launches Europe's First Robotaxi Pilot with Uber, Cabify, Bolt.

Key Takeaways

• Zagreb is the first European city to offer a commercial robotaxi service.
• The service uses 10 Arcfox Alpha T5 electric cars equipped with Pony.ai's autonomous driving tech.
• Each vehicle has 34 sensors, including cameras, LiDARs, and radars, for 360-degree awareness.
• Rides are booked via the Verne app, with Uber integration coming soon.
• The launch positions Croatia as an unexpected leader in autonomous mobility.

Technical Specifications of the Robotaxis

The Arcfox Alpha T5 vehicles are specifically modified for autonomous driving. Below is a comparison of the key specifications: The background to this story is set out in Uber Self-Driving Robotaxi Trial Begins in Manchester Streets. A related thread runs through London Robotaxi Rollout Delayed Amid Regulatory Hurdles. Earlier coverage in Madrid Set to Become First EU Capital with Robotaxis shows how the argument developed.

What to Watch Next

The success of the Zagreb robotaxi service will depend on public acceptance, safety records, and operational efficiency. If it proves successful, it could encourage other European cities to follow suit. Madrid's planned trials later this year will be closely watched, as will any expansion of Verne's service to other Croatian cities or neighboring countries. A closer look at the same subject appears in London Robotaxi Rollout Faces Growing Calls for Limits. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Shenzhen Robotaxi Law Sparks Driver Backlash: What It Means. The same theme surfaces in Armed Robotaxi Ride Ends in Police Stop for Two Minors, which takes a different angle.

Regulators will also play a crucial role. European countries have varying rules for autonomous vehicles, and harmonizing them will be essential for widespread adoption. The Zagreb launch could push EU policymakers to accelerate the development of a unified framework for robotaxis. Context on how this played out before sits in AI Takeover in China: How Robotaxis Are Reshaping Jobs. A companion piece, OnePlus 15 and Ace 6 officially launched – with mammoth batteries and 165Hz displays, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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