Croatia launches Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service

Croatia’s startup Verne has launched Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service, operating a fleet of 10 electric Arcfox Alpha T5 vehicles.

The vehicles produced by BAIC Motor Corp are currently operating in the capital, Zagreb, Caliber.Az reports, citing Bloomberg.

Arcfox Alpha T5 is equipped with autonomous driving systems developed by Pony.ai.

At launch, the company is offering a fixed fare of €1.99 per ride within a service zone of around 90 square kilometres, including the city’s main international airport.

Rides can be booked via a mobile application.

The project is backed by entrepreneur Mate Rimac, who controls the Bugatti brand and produces electric hypercars near Zagreb.

For now, a safety operator remains inside the vehicles, although the driving is conducted autonomously.

Reporters noted that the robotaxis are able to overtake slow-moving cars and navigate obstacles, including open manholes.

According to Verne’s CEO, around 300 users already have access to the app, while another 4,000 are on the waiting list.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov