Luxembourg Chosen for Pilot Deployment
Automaker Stellantis has reached a memorandum of understanding with Chinese self-driving technology firm Pony.ai to collaborate on creating fully autonomous, battery-powered vans designed for European roads. The initial stage of the partnership will take place in Luxembourg, where testing is expected to begin ahead of a larger rollout planned for 2026. The companies aim to pair Stellantis’ electric vehicle platforms with Pony.ai’s advanced autonomous systems to deliver next-generation transport solutions.
Electric Commercial Vehicles at the Center of the Plan
The cooperation focuses on integrating Pony.ai’s perception, navigation, and control technologies into Stellantis’ Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel electric van models. These vehicles will be used to explore both passenger mobility and logistics applications across dense urban areas. During the first testing phase, trained operators will remain in the driver’s seat to ensure safety while regulators evaluate the system’s compliance with European standards.
Chinese Tech Firm Expands European Reach
The move represents a key milestone for Pony.ai as it extends its footprint beyond China and the United States, where it already runs autonomous fleets. Stellantis, meanwhile, views the collaboration as part of its longer-term vision to incorporate automation into its electric product range. Both partners have underscored that the rollout will proceed only after meeting all safety, data protection, and certification requirements across European jurisdictions.
