Pony AI and WeRide harness China’s supply chain strength to cut costs, boost efficiency and scale robotaxi fleets worldwide
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenBen Jiangin BeijingPublished: 9:30pm, 27 Apr 2026Chinese 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.
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.
Peng described robotaxis as a new mode of transport rather than simply driverless taxis, presenting them as private, safe mobile spaces for work, leisure and daily travel, while enhancing urban mobility.
