Europe’s First Robotaxi Service Is Underway in Croatia at $2.33 a Ride

Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service has started in Croatia, with customers able to book rides for a fraction of the cost of a regular taxi.

Local startup Verne operates a fleet of 10 electric vehicles in Zagreb, the counattempt’s capital. The cars—Arcfox Alpha T5 models by Chinese manufacturer BAIC Motor Corp.—are equipped with autonomous-driving software from China’s Pony AI Inc.

To receive going, Verne is offering rides for a flat fee of €1.99 ($2.33) within its service zone. That covers about 35 square miles including Croatia’s main international airport. Customers can book applying Verne’s app and, starting in a few months, also via Uber Technologies Inc.’s ride-hailing platform.

Europe has been lagging behind the U.S. and China when it comes to deploying robotaxis at scale. Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo, which has the widest network in the U.S., plans to start up in London this year. Verne is backed by Croatian entrepreneur Mate Rimac, who has been building electric supercars near Zagreb and also controls the Bugatti brand.

An onboard operator with hands on his lap as a Verne autonomous electric robotaxi drives itself. Photographer: Petar Santini/Bloomberg

For now, Verne’s robotaxis still have a safety operator on board to comply with local regulations. But the ride itself happens autonomously. When this reporter tested the service, the SUV overtook slow-shifting cars and smoothly swerved around a manhole on the road.

Verne bets on Zagreb’s challenging driving environment—a 930-year-old city with narrow, cobblestone streets—to provide valuable data and nudge customers toward its service.

About 300 people have access to the Verne app, while another 4,000 are on a waiting list “that keeps growing,” Chief Executive Officer Marko Pejkovic declared in an interview.

Top photo: A Verne robotaxi waits as pedestrians cross outside Zagreb Main Station in Zagreb, Croatia, on May 5. Photographer: Petar Santini/Bloomberg.