Pony.ai tests AVs on US and China roads

Silicon Valley-based Pony.ai says it has begun regular and daily fully driverless testing on public roads in Fremont and Milpitas in California, where it plans a driverless Robotaxi service starting next year.

Along with the recent launch of fully driverless testing in Guangzhou, China, the company says it has become the first to get fully driverless automated vehicles on public roads in three cities across the world’s two most dynamic mobility markets. 

The successful start is authorised by the previously announced driverless permit received from the California Department of Motor Vehicles for a fleet of six driverless vehicles, covering more than 100 square kilometres.

As US cities reopen in phases, Pony.ai intends resuming its Robotaxi service to the public shortly in Irvine, California, and plans to roll out the fully driverless service to the public in 2022.

“Going completely driverless is key to achieving full autonomy and an indispensable catalyst to realising our ambitious vision,” Pony.ai founder and chief executive James Peng says.

“As we continue to grow and scale, we extended our community responsibility from contactless delivery services throughout the pandemic in California last year to fight against the new COVID-19 outbreak in Guangzhou.”

Pony.ai has joined forces with the City of Fremont for over a year to combat COVID-19, including meal kit delivery service to vulnerable communities. Additionally, the company partnered with Yamibuy in Southern California to bring an autonomous and contactless last-mile delivery service to Irvine residents.

“In Guangzhou, a fleet of 14 driverless vehicles transports medical equipment, life supplies, and frontline medical workers to local communities day and night,” Peng says.

Founded in late 2016, Pony.ai says it aims to bring safe, sustainable, and accessible mobility to the entire world.

The company is valued at US$5.3 billion and major investors include Toyota, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Sequoia Capital China, and IDG Capital.

Pony.ai has formed partnerships with leading OEMs including Toyota, Hyundai, GAC Group, FAW Group, and more.