Toyota-Backed Pony.ai Unveils Next-Gen Robotaxi Set to Rival Uber by 2025

Introducing Pony.ai's Seventh-Generation Robotaxi

Pony.ai has revealed its latest robotaxi model, the seventh generation, which is set for mass production by mid-2025. This new fleet is developed in partnership with Toyota, leveraging the electric bZ4X platform combined with NVIDIA’s DRIVE Orin system to deliver cutting-edge autonomous driving capabilities.

Plans for Fleet Expansion and Cost Reduction

The company aims to expand its robotaxi fleet significantly, increasing the number of vehicles from 250 to over 1,000 within 2025 and targeting 10,000 units in the next five years. Collaborations with state-owned automakers are expected to reduce production costs drastically—from over RMB 500,000 to below RMB 300,000 per vehicle—making the technology more economically viable.

Operational Progress and Service Launches

Pony.ai has already initiated paid robotaxi services in Guangzhou, connecting the city center with major transportation hubs such as Baiyun International Airport and the South Railway Station. These operational milestones showcase the company’s commitment to integrating autonomous vehicles into urban transport systems.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

James Peng, Pony.ai’s co-founder and CEO, expressed confidence in the rapid growth of autonomous vehicles, predicting tens of thousands on the road within a couple of years. This advancement marks a significant leap toward safer, more efficient urban mobility solutions, positioning Pony.ai as a key player in the autonomous vehicle industry with ambitious plans for expanding its presence in urban mobility networks.