Pilot Program to Begin in Luxembourg Ahead of Wider Rollout
Global automotive group Stellantis has reached a memorandum of understanding with Chinese autonomous driving firm Pony.ai to jointly create Level 4 self-driving electric vans tailored for European roads. The initiative will launch with test operations in Luxembourg, setting the groundwork for broader deployment expected to start in 2026. The collaboration unites Stellantis’ manufacturing and electric vehicle capabilities with Pony.ai’s autonomous driving systems and artificial intelligence expertise.
Electric Vans to Feature Full Automation Technology
The project will see Pony.ai’s advanced perception, mapping, and control technologies integrated into Stellantis’ light commercial electric vehicles across brands including Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel. These models are being adapted for both passenger transport and last-mile delivery services in urban areas. During the testing phase, safety drivers will remain in the vehicles as the technology undergoes trials and certification processes required by European regulators.
New Partnership Strengthens Pony.ai’s Global Expansion
For Pony.ai, the agreement signals an important step in extending its global presence beyond China and the United States, where it already operates robotaxi fleets. Stellantis sees the partnership as part of its long-term strategy to bring automated driving features to its growing range of electric vehicles. Both companies emphasized that safety validation, adherence to European standards, and strict data protection practices will shape every phase of development before the technology reaches commercial operation.
