Europe’s Push for Autonomous Taxis Reaches a Pivotal Moment

Nadia Petrov | AFP

European cities are launching trials for self-driving taxis, aiming to catch up with the United States and China in autonomous transportation technology.

Major companies have launched self-driving taxi trials across Europe as the region strives to close the gap with the United States and China. While autonomous robotaxi fleets doubled to 8,000 vehicles across dozens of cities in the United States and China last year, Europe remains far behind, operating just 120,000 expected autonomous taxis by 2035, compared to 850,000 projected in China and 350,000 in the United States. On Monday, European Union policymakers are set to fast-track development by adopting a streamlined cross-border 'testbed' approach, allowing companies to move beyond national approval hurdles.

Trials are already underway in Zagreb, Croatia, where Chinese company Pony.ai has teamed up with Uber and local startup Verne, backed by Croatian automaker Rimac, deploying approximately 10 driverless vehicles since April 8. Other European capitals are ramping up efforts this year, including London, Munich, and Madrid. Key collaborations include Waymo’s trials in London, supported by Wayve and Apollo Go's operations; Uber and WeRide’s project in Madrid; and Uber's deployment of Momenta technology in Munich.

Where is Pony.ai testing self-driving taxis in Europe?

Pony.ai is testing self-driving taxis in Zagreb, Croatia, through a partnership with Uber and local startup Verne. Their trial began on April 8 and involves about 10 vehicles backed by Rimac automaker technology.

Outside urban centers, Apollo Go has partnered with Swiss Post on a test program in Switzerland’s eastern region, while Luxembourg will host trials by Stellantis and Pony.ai. Despite initial progress, experts warn that Europe’s regulatory caution and robust public-transport infrastructure may slow adoption compared to the more aggressive rollouts seen in China and the United States. 'London is ready, Madrid too,' said autonomous vehicle specialist Herve de Treglode, who predicts commercial services could launch as early as 2027 in some cities.

Balancing Profit Motives and Public Interest

One critical roadblock facing the industry involves balancing commercial priorities with public needs. Companies prefer deploying autonomous taxis in dense urban settings for profitability, while politicians advocate suburban and rural rollouts to fill gaps left by public transport deficits. Laurence Debrincat from the Paris regional transport authority said, 'It's high time we came up with a strategy,' highlighting the debate over whether governments should subsidize rural-focused deployments or leave decision-making entirely to market forces.

Thomas Matagne, founder of French ridesharing firm Ecov, encapsulated the quandary facing policymakers: 'Should we leave the sector to the market, at the risk of concentrating it in densely populated areas? Or should the government invest to roll out [robotaxis] in the general interest?' This question is now central to Europe's evolving strategy for autonomous technology deployment as the continent determines its path forward.

What This Means for Urban Leadership Across Europe

For municipal leaders across Europe, the emerging robotaxi trials highlight both challenges and opportunities in the pursuit of cutting-edge transportation solutions. Cities like London and Madrid, already hubs for autonomous innovation, may serve as proving grounds for whether European regulations and infrastructure can sustain sizable deployments without compromising public trust in safety or accessibility. Mayors and local governments will need to navigate the implications of concentrating fleets in economic centers versus addressing mobility deserts affecting rural and suburban populations.

The debate over autonomous taxi placement also intersects with broader urban policies, including emission reduction goals and public transit integration. Municipal officials will need robust frameworks for engaging private companies, ensuring equitable service distribution, and managing potential conflicts over market-driven versus government-mandated strategies. With Europe pushing the testbed initiative nationwide, local leaders have a pivotal opportunity to shape transportation technology deployment in alignment with their cities' individual needs and long-term vision.

Questions That Matter

Who is collaborating with Uber in Zagreb?

In Zagreb, Uber is collaborating with Pony.ai and local startup Verne. This trial, which began on April 8, involves around 10 autonomous vehicles supported by Rimac automaker technology.

What is Laurence Debrincat's view on autonomous taxi strategy?

Laurence Debrincat from the Paris regional transport authority emphasized the need for a strategic approach to autonomous taxi deployment. She highlighted the ongoing debate about whether governments should subsidize rural deployments or allow the market to dictate the focus on urban areas.