Pony.ai and BAIC BJEV Expand Alliance to Scale Global Robotaxi Production

Pony.ai and BAIC BJEV announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership on January 10, 2026. This collaboration focuses on the forward design and mass production of purpose-built Robotaxis to transition Level 4 autonomous driving from pilots to large-scale commercial operations. By combining specialized AI technology with established automotive manufacturing, the companies aim to lead the global deployment of intelligent mobility solutions.

The flagship product of this alliance is the Arcfox Alpha T5 Robotaxi, which utilizes Pony.ai’s seventh-generation autonomous system. More than 600 units have already rolled off the production line, with active commercial fleets currently operating in Beijing and Shenzhen. These vehicles represent a move toward standardized production rather than the retrofitting seen in earlier industry phases.

A key pillar of the partnership is the deep integration of autonomous hardware directly into the vehicle architecture during the manufacturing process. This forward design approach has helped reduce the bill of materials costs by 70 percent compared to previous generations. Lowering manufacturing and operational expenses is essential for making Robotaxi services competitive with traditional ride-hailing options.

The two companies plan to introduce the jointly developed Arcfox Alpha T5 to strategic international markets, specifically Europe and the Middle East. Pony.ai is leveraging its existing footprint in eight countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Luxembourg, to facilitate this global expansion. This move positions the partnership to compete on a worldwide stage as regulatory frameworks for autonomy evolve.

Beyond vehicle assembly, the alliance covers the entire autonomous mobility value chain including fleet operations and maintenance. Utilizing BAIC BJEV’s mature OEM-grade supply chain allows for improved lifecycle management and greater operational efficiency. This comprehensive ecosystem is designed to support the sustainable commercialization of driverless technology at scale.

Since 2024, the partners have collectively invested nearly RMB 1 billion in research and development. This upgraded partnership involves further capital investment to support technology iteration and international growth. Following Pony.ai’s successful listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the company has the capital reserves needed to fuel these mass production initiatives. Leadership from both organizations expressed a shared commitment to transforming future mobility through intelligent ecosystems. Ning Zhang, Vice President of Pony.ai, noted that the expanded partnership creates a scalable foundation for Robotaxi deployment in China and beyond. Guofu Zhang of BAIC Group highlighted that the collaboration aims to build a more efficient and sustainable mobility solution with global competitiveness.