Robotaxi Race: Waymo, Apollo Go, Zoox, Pony and WeRide — 2026-09-11
Pony.ai achieved a historic milestone by launching the first fully driverless robotaxi tests in Europe, specifically in Zagreb, Croatia. Meanwhile, NHTSA has launched an investigation into Tesla’s newly deployed Cybercab, just hours after its public debut in Austin. In the US market, Lyft expanded its partnership with Waymo to Nashville, while regulatory scrutiny intensified following a fatal Tesla crash in Alabama and multiple interference incidents involving robotaxis at emergency scenes.
Robotaxi Race: Waymo, Apollo Go, Zoox, Pony and WeRide — 2026-09-11
Top developments
Pony.ai Launches First Fully Driverless Robotaxi Tests in Europe
On September 10, 2026, Pony.ai and Verne announced the official launch of fully driverless robotaxi passenger tests on public roads in Zagreb, Croatia. This marks the first time fully unmanned commercial robotaxi testing has occurred in Europe, representing a significant breakthrough for Chinese autonomous vehicle companies expanding into regulated Western markets. The partnership aims to scale services across five European cities, leveraging local mobility providers to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
NHTSA Investigates Tesla Cybercab Deployment
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into Tesla’s Cybercab deployment on September 4, 2026, just hours after the company put the first production units on the road in Austin. The inquiry focuses on how Tesla self-certified the vehicle, which lacks traditional controls like steering wheels and pedals. This move follows precedent set when Amazon-owned Zoox faced similar scrutiny for its cube-shaped robotaxi, highlighting the regulatory tightrope walk for purpose-built autonomous vehicles.
Lyft Expands Waymo Integration to Nashville
Lyft began offering Waymo robotaxi rides in Nashville on September 9, 2026, marking the second US city where the ride-hailing giant provides driverless trips through its app. This expansion is part of Lyft’s strategy to catch up with Uber in the autonomous sector. The partnership also includes a unique labor model where former Lyft drivers are being retrained to service and maintain the Waymo fleet, addressing workforce displacement concerns head-on.
Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies After Fatal Crash and Interference Incidents
On September 9, Electrek reported data confirming that Tesla’s Autopilot/FSD was active in a 2021 crash that killed a mother in Alabama, renewing calls for stricter oversight of driver-assist systems. Simultaneously, Austin emergency responders have logged dozens of incidents this year where robotaxes interfered with first responders, prompting local officials to demand better coordination despite limited regulatory power over federal-certified AVs. These events underscore the growing friction between rapid deployment and public safety infrastructure.
Zoox Faces Minor Incident in Las Vegas
A driverless Zoox vehicle was rear-ended at an intersection in Las Vegas on September 8, 2026, just days after the company expanded its operations to Harry Reid International Airport. While no injuries were reported, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges robotaxis face in complex urban environments with heavy traffic. The crash occurred shortly after Zoox began testing fleet operations in San Diego, signaling a busy period of expansion for Amazon’s AV unit.
Local view
In China, local tech media highlighted the competitive pressure on WeRide, noting it is "not in the first tier" of autonomous driving despite broad business coverage across robotaxis, buses, and sanitation vehicles. Huxiu reported that Baidu’s Apollo Go remains the dominant force domestically, with over 23 million cumulative orders and expansion into Dubai and Hong Kong, while Pony.ai is praised for its "truly driverless" experience in Guangzhou.
In the US, WIRED covered the human impact of the Lyft-Waymo partnership in Nashville, focusing on how former drivers are transitioning into maintenance roles. The outlet framed this as a potential blueprint for managing the labor shift caused by automation, contrasting with earlier narratives of job loss.
Context & numbers
Waymo continues to lead in volume, reporting over 500,000 weekly paid rides as of early September 2026, with a goal to reach 1 million by year-end. Baidu’s Apollo Go delivered 3.2 million fully driverless rides in Q1 2026, with weekly peaks exceeding 350,000, closing the gap with Waymo in terms of raw trip counts. Tesla’s fleet remains significantly smaller, with only a handful of Cybercabs deployed in Austin, facing immediate regulatory hurdles.
On the radar
- Uber’s Madrid Launch: Uber received permission from Spain’s DGT to launch robotaxis in Madrid by the end of 2026, likely partnering with WeRide or other providers, adding another major European capital to the race.
- Tokyo Pilot Timeline: Uber, Nissan, and Wayve are targeting late 2026 for their Tokyo robotaxi pilot, which will be a critical test case for right-hand-drive markets and dense Asian urban environments.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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