Advertisement
Chinese robotaxi firms accelerate global roll-outs as cost edge drives expansion
Pony AI and WeRide harness China’s supply chain strength to cut costs, boost efficiency and scale robotaxi fleets worldwide
2-MIN READ2-MIN
Listen
Ben Jiangin Beijing
Chinese robotaxi firms from Pony AI to WeRide are accelerating global roll-outs of commercial fleets, leveraging cost competitiveness from the country’s world-leading new energy vehicle (NEV) supply chain and improved operational efficiency, company executives have said.
China’s NEV supply chain had helped reduce the total cost of Pony AI’s upgraded seventh-generation robotaxi – including the base vehicle, battery and autonomous driving kit – to below 230,000 yuan (US$33,700), making it cheaper than a basic Tesla Model 3, according to James Peng, founder and CEO of the Guangzhou-based robotaxi firm. The Model 3 is the US electric vehicle giant’s most affordable car.
“We will push China’s autonomous driving technology to every corner of the world with overwhelming cost competitiveness,” Peng said on Friday, the opening day of the Beijing Auto Show, which runs until May 3.
He added that the company’s technological strength had also helped drive down prices, supporting wider adoption of robotaxis. Pony AI’s latest model is set to hit the market next year.
Select Voice
Select Speed
1x
AI-generated voice