Testing to Begin in Luxembourg Before Wider Expansion
Chinese autonomous vehicle specialist Pony.ai has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Stellantis to develop electric vans capable of Level 4 autonomy for the European market. The two companies plan to begin pilot operations in Luxembourg, paving the way for a gradual expansion starting in 2026. The initiative brings together Stellantis’ electric vehicle engineering and Pony.ai’s expertise in autonomous driving technology.
Partnership Builds on Electric Commercial Vehicle Platforms
Under the agreement, Pony.ai’s software, sensors, and perception systems will be integrated into Stellantis’ light commercial electric vans from brands such as Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel. The vehicles will be configured for both passenger and cargo services, reflecting growing demand for automated urban mobility solutions. During early tests, human operators will remain on board while the technology undergoes validation and regulatory review in Europe.
Expansion Marks a Strategic Move into the European Market
For Pony.ai, the partnership represents a significant step in extending its operations beyond Asia and North America, where it already runs robotaxi and delivery services. Stellantis sees the collaboration as part of its long-term plan to incorporate advanced autonomous capabilities into its electric portfolio. Both companies emphasized that all phases of testing and deployment will adhere to European safety regulations and data protection standards before full-scale operations commence.
