Pony AI, Toyota Launch Mass-Produced Robotaxis in China, Plan Global Expansion
- tech360.tv
- 2 minutes ago
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Chinese self-driving technology firm Pony AI has started mass production of a robotaxi co-developed with Toyota, marking a significant step in commercialising autonomous cabs globally. The Guangzhou-based company plans to roll out 1,000 driverless cabs this year.
These robotaxis, which feature level 4 (L4) self-driving capabilities, will be deployed in top-tier mainland Chinese cities. Pony AI aims to operate a total robotaxi fleet of more than 3,000 units in various mainland and overseas markets by the end of 2026.
A company statement said this milestone marks a new phase of scaled production and commercial deployment for the Pony-Toyota collaboration. It also highlights deep synergy between the partners across autonomous driving technology, vehicle manufacturing, and supply chain integration.
Toyota is a shareholder of Pony AI and collaborates with the firm on producing autonomous cars. Ding Haifeng, a consultant at Shanghai-based financial advisory firm Integrity, stated that the partnership could fuel robotaxi growth in populated cities.
More Chinese people are expected to experience robotaxis on certain streets this year, according to Haifeng. Level 4 self-driving capabilities mean these vehicles generally do not require human intervention, as defined by SAE International, a global standards body.
Pony AI, along with Apollo and WeRide, are considered mainland China's three top robotaxi firms. These organisations have received approval to operate driverless cabs on designated roads in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.
Robotaxi services charge fees as low as 10% of the average ride. Lou Tiancheng, chief technology officer of Pony AI, previously stated the company aimed to make robotaxis widely available and more affordable through mass production.
Pony AI is also exploring Hong Kong, South Korea, the Middle East, and Europe as potential markets for expansion. UBS projects that mainland China could see 300,000 driverless taxis operating in its four top-tier cities as early as 2030.
This growth is buoyed by advancements in artificial intelligence and the highly competitive electric vehicle sector. The number of robotaxis on the mainland is expected to jump to 4 million by the late 2030s, according to a UBS report.
UBS stated that more Chinese passengers are willing to embrace new technologies. Paul Gong, head of China automotive research at UBS, mentioned that the lower cost of building electric vehicles with autonomous technologies is a major driver for expanded robotaxi fleets.
The production cost of building a self-driving taxi is projected to be reduced to less than USD 43,230. A few years ago, robotaxi executives reported each autonomous car cost them approximately 500,000 yuan.
Analysts and industry officials view Pony AI, Apollo, and WeRide as China's answer to Waymo, the US-based global leader in self-driving taxi services. Driverless cabs could account for 6% of China's taxi market, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and public acceptance, HSBC reported.
China's robotaxi market could eventually be worth about USD 40 billion annually, the bank added.
Pony AI and Toyota have begun mass producing robotaxis, aiming to deploy 1,000 units this year.
Pony AI plans to expand its robotaxi fleet to over 3,000 units by the end of 2026 across mainland China and international markets.
The robotaxis feature level 4 self-driving capabilities and are approved for operation in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.
Source: SCMP