Uber has launched Europe’s first autonomous vehicle rides accessible via its app in Zagreb, Croatia. The rides use self-driving cars operated by Pony.ai’s technology and Verne’s local fleet and services, featuring safety drivers behind the wheel as regulation and technology phases progress.
- Zagreb service is Europe’s first Uber app autonomous ride offering
- Safety drivers currently monitor rides during phased rollout
- Plans to expand to other European cities announced
What happened
Uber, in collaboration with Chinese autonomous vehicle technology company Pony.ai and Croatian operator Verne, has launched its first autonomous vehicle rides in Europe. Starting Wednesday, Uber users in Zagreb can book self-driving rides through the existing Uber app. This marks Uber’s debut of app-integrated autonomous rides within the European market.
The service operates with licensed safety drivers behind the wheel to monitor trips, maintaining safety while gradually transitioning toward fully driverless service. The autonomous cars cover key areas including the city center of Zagreb, and the fleet, owned and managed by Verne, integrates Pony.ai’s Gen-7 robotaxi technology. Uber handles the customer-facing experience, leveraging its global mobility platform.
Why it matters
This launch represents a significant step in scaling autonomous mobility in Europe by combining complementary expertise across three companies: a technology provider (Pony.ai), a local fleet operator (Verne), and a global ride-hailing platform (Uber). It highlights a collaborative deployment model that streamlines entry into new markets while addressing regulatory and safety challenges through gradual rollout phases.
Additionally, Uber’s approach signals its shift from building proprietary AV technology to becoming the dominant marketplace for autonomous ride services globally. Offering self-driving rides directly via the Uber app makes autonomous mobility more accessible to everyday users and positions Uber to expand these services throughout Europe and beyond.
What to watch next
The continued evolution of European regulations and competitive entries by other companies such as WeRide in Denmark and Bliq in Finland will shape the pace and scope of autonomous ride-hailing services across the region. Uber’s ability to integrate diverse operators into its platform may become a model for widespread AV adoption.