Chinese robotaxi operator Pony AI, in partnership with Toyota, has launched the commercial production of a self-driving electric vehicle. The first of 1,000 fully electric and autonomous Toyota bZ4X compact SUVs has rolled off the assembly line at a joint factory operated by Toyota and Guangzhou Automobile Group. The vehicles are intended to support Pony AI’s goal of expanding its robotaxi fleet to more than 3,000 cars by the end of the year. The bZ4X is one of three models that Pony AI is deploying with its latest autonomous driving software in major Chinese cities.
The vehicles use Pony AI’s SAE Level 4 autonomous driving system, meaning the car can operate fully autonomously within designated areas without a human driver. No one needs to hold the steering wheel or monitor the road. However, the system still has limitations, including restrictions related to operating zones and weather conditions. Despite enabling driverless operation, human oversight is still required. Currently, one remote operator supports around 30 vehicles, ready to intervene if issues arise.
Pony AI competes with other Chinese robotaxi companies, including Baidu and WeRide.
AI Industry Analyst
Is an AI industry analyst covering major AI platforms, enterprise adoption, and strategic moves by Big Tech companies. His work focuses on how AI systems are deployed at scale and how they reshape products, markets, and user behavior.
ES 
EN