Stellantis and Pony.ai team up to launch autonomous robotaxi services in Europe

Stellantis is solidifying its commitment to the future of mobility by announcing a major new collaboration. The automotive group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pony.ai, a leading global company specializing in autonomous driving technologies. This strategic partnership aims to develop and deploy robotaxi solutions across Europe, a high-potential market that remains largely untapped. To achieve this, the two companies will leverage a well-established technical foundation: the K0 platform for compact commercial vans, which includes popular models like the Citroën Jumpy/Dispatch and Peugeot Expert. A new era is dawning for these versatile vehicles, which may soon redefine urban mobility.

Stellantis and Pony.ai: a strategic alliance for tomorrow's mobility

The announcement of this partnership marks a decisive step in Stellantis's strategy for autonomous vehicles. The objective is to integrate Pony.ai's advanced technology into Stellantis's new "AV-Ready" platform. The collaboration will focus on developing vehicles that achieve SAE Level 4 autonomy. In practical terms, a Level 4 vehicle can handle all driving situations entirely on its own within a defined operational area, requiring no intervention or even supervision from a driver. This is the principle of "hands-off, eyes-off" driving, where the system assumes complete control.

Pony.ai's technology, renowned for its maturity and reliability, will be paired with Stellantis's purpose-built architecture. This "AV-Ready" platform is engineered with critical system redundancies (for braking and steering) and is designed for seamless integration with the latest generation of sensors, such as LiDAR, cameras, and radar, ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability. By joining forces, Stellantis and Pony.ai aim to deliver safe, efficient, and competitive robotaxi services to meet the evolving mobility needs of European cities.

From Luxembourg to Europe: an ambitious roadmap

The rollout of this technology will be methodical and phased. The first real-world tests are set to begin soon in Luxembourg, where Pony.ai's European subsidiary is based. In the coming months, test vehicles based on the all-electric Peugeot E-Traveller will take to the roads to validate the system's performance, safety, and regulatory compliance. This initial phase will be crucial before a wider deployment, which is planned for several European cities starting in 2026.

"Autonomous vehicles have the potential to transform how we move through our cities, offering safer and more affordable options for communities," said Ned Curic, Chief Engineering & Technology Officer at Stellantis. "To realize this vision, we have developed AV-Ready platforms and are collaborating with the best in the industry. Pony.ai stands out for its technical expertise and collaborative approach." This enthusiasm was echoed by Dr. James Peng, Founder and CEO of Pony.ai, who stated, "We are thrilled to partner with Stellantis to bring our autonomous mobility technology to Europe. Their strong European presence and iconic brand portfolio make them the ideal partner to help us accelerate our growth in this strategic market."

The initial focus on Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) is a calculated choice. Stellantis, through its Pro One business unit, is the undisputed leader in this segment in Europe. Mid-size vans like the Citroën Jumpy/Dispatch provide an ideal platform: their generous interior space simplifies the integration of hardware and accommodates passengers comfortably, their electric architecture is mature, and their total cost of ownership is optimized. This versatility allows for multiple applications, from a compact robotaxi to a shared shuttle capable of carrying up to eight people.

Une vision d'avenir pour les marques du groupe

Avec ce partenariat, Stellantis ne se contente pas de suivre une tendance, mais se positionne comme un acteur clé dans le développement de la mobilité autonome en Europe. En s'appuyant sur l'expertise logicielle de Pony.ai et sur sa propre maîtrise industrielle, le groupe se donne les moyens de ses ambitions. Le projet démarre avec des robotaxis basés sur des utilitaires, mais il jette les bases d'un avenir bien plus large. À terme, cette technologie pourrait s'étendre à d'autres segments de véhicules, qu'il s'agisse de transport de biens ou de personnes, et bénéficier à l'ensemble des marques du groupe.