Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On January 10, autonomous driving technology company Pony.ai and BAIC BJEV announced a sweeping upgrade to their strategic partnership, formally entering what the two sides describe as a "2.0 phase" of cooperation. The new framework significantly broadens the scope of collaboration, moving beyond project-based cooperation toward a more integrated, system-level alliance across the autonomous driving value chain.
Building on their proven experience in the mass production and commercial operation of L4 Robotaxi vehicles, Pony.ai and BAIC BJEV plan to deepen cooperation across vehicle development, commercialization and international expansion. The partnership aims to establish a benchmark for large-scale collaboration in China's intelligent driving industry, with a clear focus on turning autonomous driving technologies into commercially viable, globally competitive solutions.
Photo source: Pony.ai
The upgraded partnership is structured around five core pillars: joint product development, shared market expansion, integrated industrial chains, ecosystem co-building, and capital collaboration. Executives from both companies said the new framework reflects a shift from isolated projects to a full-spectrum partnership designed to support the long-term development of China's autonomous driving industry.
Pony.ai and BAIC BJEV plan to replicate and expand their validated Robotaxi model across multiple dimensions, including vehicle platforms, core technologies and market deployment, transforming successful pilot operations into standardized, scalable products.
On the product front, the partnership will evolve from a single Robotaxi model to a broader, multi-model lineup. Leveraging the mass-production experience of the ARCFOX Alpha T5 Robotaxi, the two companies will jointly develop purpose-built L4 autonomous vehicles, enriching their Robotaxi portfolio.
At the same time, technologies and engineering solutions already validated in Robotaxi operations will be adapted for series production and extended into advanced driver assistance and high-level smart driving features for consumer vehicles, enabling deeper integration of strategic resources.
In terms of market expansion, the two partners aim to bring China's autonomous driving solutions—already validated in major domestic cities—to overseas markets. The ARCFOX Alpha T5 Robotaxi and its supporting operating system are slated for deployment in strategic regions including the Middle East and Europe.
The companies emphasized that the export effort goes beyond vehicle sales, encompassing technical standards, operational models and the broader commercial ecosystem behind autonomous mobility.
Pony.ai has already established a presence in eight countries, including Luxembourg, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and South Korea. The company's accumulated experience in localization, regulatory engagement and infrastructure deployment is expected to underpin the next phase of international expansion.
Under the 2.0 partnership, the two companies will pursue a long-term cooperation model, extending collaboration beyond vehicles into supply chains, mobility ecosystems and capital alignment.
The partners will jointly work to reinforce and upgrade the supply chain for L4 autonomous vehicles, with initiatives aimed at filling gaps, stabilizing key links and elevating overall industrial capabilities. The goal is to accelerate the industrialization of L4 autonomous driving in China.
Pony.ai will work closely with BAIC BJEV's OEM supply network to optimize vehicle performance, maintenance requirements and full lifecycle costs for L4 models. These efforts are designed to reduce both bill-of-materials and operating costs, improving the commercial viability of large-scale Robotaxi deployment.
By setting new technical standards and stimulating market demand, the partnership aims to foster a robust domestic supply chain for advanced autonomous driving components, contributing to local economic development and high-end manufacturing growth.
BAIC BJEV will help integrate mobility platforms under the BAIC Group, such as BAIC Mobility, along with aftersales services including maintenance and charging infrastructure, into Pony.ai's Robotaxi operations.
The two sides aim to connect every stage of the value chain—from R&D and manufacturing to customer acquisition, operations, maintenance and financing—accelerating both scale and profitability in autonomous mobility services.
On the capital side, Pony.ai and BAIC BJEV will build on their existing cross-investments to further align financial strategies.
Future capital cooperation will focus on joint R&D, supply chain investments and overseas market expansion, creating a tightly integrated model that links technology development, commercial growth and financial commitment.
According to Pony.ai, the jointly developed ARCFOX Alpha T5 Robotaxi has entered mass production with more than 600 units already built. The milestone supports the company's goal of surpassing 1,000 Robotaxis in operation by 2025 and lays the groundwork for reaching 3,000 units by the end of 2026.
The ARCFOX Alpha T5 Robotaxi is currently operating in Beijing and Shenzhen, serving areas such as Beijing's Yizhuang district and Shenzhen's Nanshan and Bao'an districts, as well as airports and high-speed rail hubs. Expansion into additional top-tier Chinese cities is planned this year.
As a new L4 flagship model, the ARCFOX Alpha T5 Robotaxi features comprehensive upgrades in both pick-up and in-cabin experiences.
Pick-up functions include one-touch vehicle positioning, dynamic welcome lighting and Bluetooth-enabled door access, enhancing convenience and vehicle recognition.
In-cabin comfort is improved through Pony.ai's proprietary world-model and virtual driver technologies, which enhance ride smoothness and reduce motion discomfort commonly associated with electric vehicles. Voice and infotainment systems are also optimized to better support visually impaired passengers.
Both companies said the five-pillar partnership marks a new stage in their relationship. As autonomous driving enters a new phase of industrialization, Pony.ai and BAIC BJEV plan to work in closer alignment to accelerate large-scale deployment and global adoption of advanced intelligent driving technologies. The partners said their shared goal is to deliver scalable, commercially viable autonomous mobility solutions that contribute Chinese innovation to the global transformation of transportation.
