Two of China’s top driverless car companies, Pony.ai and WeRide, have applied to list their shares in Hong Kong. This marks a major step for China’s autonomous vehicle (AV) industry as it seeks global recognition and funding. The twin IPO filings show how far the country’s robotaxi and self-driving technologies have advanced, and how investors are beginning to take them seriously.

IPO Details and Plans: Billions at Stake in the Driverless Race

Pony.ai, based in Guangzhou, plans to offer around 42 million Class A shares in its global offering, including a small portion to Hong Kong retail investors. The company’s maximum offer price is about HK$180 (roughly US$23) per share, which could value it at more than US$10 billion.

WeRide, also based in Guangzhou, aims to issue about 88 million shares at up to HK$35 each. Its total valuation could reach several billion dollars, depending on final pricing. Both listings are expected to take place on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in early November 2025.

The filings follow regulatory approval from China’s securities regulator, which has been cautious about allowing tech companies to list abroad. Both firms are among the first autonomous-driving startups to receive the green light for an overseas IPO since 2023.

Why These IPOs Matter

The twin listings mark a turning point for China’s driverless tech sector. For years, companies like Pony.ai and WeRide relied on venture capital to fund expensive research and testing. Going public gives them access to new capital to expand fleets, build partnerships, and improve AI systems.

The move also reflects China’s growing ambition to lead in driverless mobility. While U.S. players like Waymo and Cruise have faced setbacks, Chinese developers are pushing ahead with pilot robotaxi services in major cities. Both Pony.ai and WeRide already hold licenses to operate driverless rides in parts of Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai.

Public listings also help build transparency and investor confidence. For a young industry that has long been seen as futuristic and risky, IPOs show that companies believe they are close to commercial scale.

By the Numbers: Key IPO Metrics

Some of the main data points from the filings include:

• Pony.ai’s estimated valuation: Over US$10 billion.
• Pony.ai shares offered: 42 million Class A shares.
• WeRide shares offered: About 88 million shares.
• WeRide’s Q2 2025 revenue: ¥127 million (about US$18 million).
• WeRide’s Q2 2025 net loss: ¥406 million (about US$57 million).

While both firms continue to post losses, their revenue growth shows increasing demand for pilot robotaxi services and partnerships with automakers.

• SEE MORE: Robotaxi Showdown: Tesla, WeRide and Saudi Arabia Shift Gears in the Self-Driving Race

Company Background and Performance

Pony.ai was founded in 2016 and quickly became one of China’s most valuable AV startups. It operates driverless taxis, freight trucks, and test vehicles in China, the United States, and several other regions.

The company plans to expand its fleet from about 250 vehicles to over 1,000 by 2025. It has received investment from Toyota and other global carmakers.

WeRide was founded in 2017 and focuses on robotaxis, robobuses, and self-driving vans. It has already completed more than 30 million autonomous kilometers in testing and public operations.

In the second quarter of 2025, WeRide reported revenue of around ¥127 million (about US$18 million), up 60 percent from the same period last year. Despite the growth, it posted a net loss of about ¥406 million as it continues to invest in development.

Both companies face heavy competition from domestic rivals like Baidu’s Apollo Go and international peers such as Waymo, Motional, and Cruise. The key challenge for all is finding a clear path to profitability in a market where hardware, mapping, and AI costs remain high.

Robotaxis on the Rise: Market Forecasts and Growth Drivers

The global robotaxi market is still young but growing quickly. Analysts estimate that the total market value for autonomous driving services could reach US$60 billion to US$70 billion by 2030.

McKinsey estimates that advanced driving (AD) and driver-assistance (ADAS) systems could bring in US$300–400 billion each year by 2035. Vehicles with Level 2+ automation typically include US$1,500–2,000 in component costs, while Level 3 and Level 4 systems cost even more.

Moreover, consumer demand for smart driving features is rising. More commercial models are adopting them. So, the market for autonomous technology is on track to be one of the auto industry’s biggest growth areas.

China could lead this growth. The country’s large cities, dense traffic, and strong government support for AI testing make it an ideal environment for scaling driverless fleets. Industry data shows that more than 20 Chinese cities now allow robotaxi testing or limited paid rides.

By 2030, China’s robotaxi sector could handle hundreds of millions of rides per year, potentially replacing a portion of traditional ride-hailing services. Consultancy forecasts suggest that robotaxis could account for 5% to 10% of all urban rides in major Chinese cities by the end of the decade.

Global automakers and tech companies are also watching closely. Toyota, Volkswagen, and Hyundai have all invested in autonomous-driving startups.

The rise of AI and electric vehicles is driving convergence between the auto and tech industries. This makes driverless transport one of the next big technology frontiers.

The chart below indicates that early growth will be slow as companies complete testing, secure permits, and scale their fleets. Once safety records improve and regulations ease, adoption will speed up, driven by cost savings, AI advancements, and public acceptance. After this rapid expansion, growth is likely to level off as the market matures and competition increases.

The Roadblocks Ahead

Amid rapid progress, driverless mobility still faces big challenges. The technology is expensive, requiring advanced sensors, lidar systems, and high-precision maps. Safety remains a concern, with each incident drawing public scrutiny and slowing adoption.

Regulation also varies by region. Some Chinese cities allow fully autonomous operation, while others limit it to specific zones or hours. International expansion adds more complexity, as each country has its own testing rules and data-sharing policies.

Another major hurdle is profitability. Many experts say it could take until the late 2020s before most robotaxi operators achieve positive margins. Until then, they will need continued investment to cover R&D and fleet expansion.

Industry Outlook: Why Investors Are Watching Closely

For investors, Pony.ai and WeRide’s IPOs offer an early opportunity to enter the driverless-car market through publicly traded shares. The listings also set a benchmark for valuing future AV firms. 

For the industry, these IPOs symbolize maturity. They show that China’s autonomous-driving sector is confident enough to open its books and attract global investors. Success could encourage more companies — in lidar, battery tech, or mobility software — to follow suit.

Investors will closely watch how quickly Pony.ai and WeRide can scale their fleets, control losses, and turn pilot projects into profitable transport networks. 

Pony.ai and WeRide’s Hong Kong IPO filings signal a new phase for China’s driverless vehicle industry. The twin listings bring visibility and funding to two of the world’s most advanced AV developers.

They also highlight China’s ambition to lead in autonomous mobility — a field that blends artificial intelligence, clean energy, and smart transport. While profitability may still be years away, this progress shows that the race toward self-driving transportation is no longer science fiction. It is an industry preparing to enter the next stage of real-world growth.

• READ MORE: Pony.ai (PONY Stock) Goes 24/7 with Robotaxis – But Can It Drive a Net-Zero Future?

The post Pony.ai and WeRide File Hong Kong IPOs as China’s Robotaxi Market Takes Off appeared first on Carbon Credits.

The carbon market is entering a new phase, one defined not just by tonnes of CO₂ reduced but by the tangible, real-world benefits that come with high-integrity projects. Buyers are no longer solely satisfied with credits that neutralise emissions; they’re actively seeking carbon credit co-benefits that protect biodiversity, create jobs, and strengthen local ecosystems.

Nissan has struck a new emissions-pooling deal with BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle maker. This partnership aims to help meet the European Union’s tough carbon dioxide limits for carmakers set for 2025. Nissan’s partnership with BYD lets it combine its European fleet emissions with BYD’s low-emission record. This helps Nissan avoid penalties while it shifts to electric mobility.

The move shows how traditional automakers are adapting to quick climate rules. They are forming strategic partnerships to stay compliant and grow their electric lineups.

Understanding EU Emission Rules

The European Union enforces some of the toughest vehicle emission standards in the world. Starting in 2025, carmakers must limit their average emissions to about 93.6 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. This is measured using the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). The rule applies to every automaker based on the average emissions of the new cars they sell in the EU each year.

If a company’s average exceeds its target, it faces a fine of €95 for each gram per kilometer above the limit multiplied by the number of cars sold. For large manufacturers, this can easily translate to hundreds of millions, or even billions, of euros in penalties.

Analysts say the combined risk for the industry could reach over €10 billion if several automakers fail to meet the new limits.

The EU wants to speed up the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids. They aim to stop selling new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. While many automakers have increased EV output, the pace of change remains uneven across brands and regions.

Pooling 101: How Automakers Share Emissions to Survive

To give companies flexibility, EU rules allow them to form “emissions pools.” This system lets manufacturers combine their vehicle fleets and calculate an average CO₂ figure together.

If one company has a cleaner fleet—such as an EV producer—it can offset the higher emissions of another. The combined average determines whether the group meets the EU target.

Pooling has become a common compliance tool in Europe. Tesla made hundreds of millions of euros by teaming up with legacy automakers like Fiat Chrysler and Honda. They used Tesla’s zero-emission cars to meet their emissions goals. Nissan’s new agreement with BYD follows the same principle.

By linking with BYD, Nissan can count a share of BYD’s low-carbon vehicle sales toward its own compliance calculation. This partnership will lower Nissan’s average emissions in Europe by 2025. This move helps the company steer clear of hefty fines.

Why Nissan Turned to BYD

Nissan had previously joined an emissions pool with Renault as part of their long-time alliance. Nissan has decided to partner with BYD, one of the largest EV makers. This choice comes as the Renault–Nissan partnership operates more independently and EU rules get stricter.

BYD’s growing success in Europe made it an attractive partner. The company has quickly grown its market share. This is thanks to all-electric and plug-in models that create almost no tailpipe emissions.

Nissan’s strong performance helps offset the higher emissions from its petrol and hybrid models. These models still account for a large part of its sales in Europe.

Industry analysts say this decision reflects both opportunity and necessity. It gives Nissan breathing room as it works to increase its electric lineup in Europe. The company plans to sell only fully electric cars in Europe by 2030. For now, pooling provides a temporary solution to stay compliant as EV production increases.

• SEE MORE: BYD to Partner with European Automakers to Offset Emissions Through Carbon Credit Pooling

The Debate: Compliance Shortcut or Climate Setback?

The deal benefits both companies in different ways. For Nissan, the partnership avoids immediate financial penalties and protects its market position during a challenging transition.

For BYD, it could provide a new revenue stream, as the company may receive payment or carbon credits for its contribution to the pooled fleet. It also strengthens BYD’s presence in Europe, where competition in the EV market is intensifying.

However, not everyone sees pooling as a long-term solution. Environmental groups and some policymakers say these deals can slow real emission cuts. High-emission automakers rely on cleaner partners rather than fully changing their production lines. These strategies might meet legal rules, but they do little to speed up the actual drop in transport emissions.

Still, the system remains a legal and effective compliance method under EU law. Most experts agree that pooling will last until electric vehicle production and sales are strong. This strength will make partnerships between automakers unnecessary.

A Growing Trend in the Auto Industry

Nissan and BYD’s collaboration is part of a wider trend among carmakers facing tighter environmental rules. Over the past few years, multiple manufacturers have entered pooling agreements with EV specialists to avoid penalties.

According to industry data, nearly a dozen major automakers are now part of emissions pools across Europe. These arrangements are likely to increase in the short term.

• RELEVANT: EU’s 2025 Emission Rules Led Tesla and Mercedes to Pool Carbon Credits to Avoid $15.6 Billion Fine

EV sales are rising fast, but challenges remain. Traditional carmakers struggle to switch to electric models due to:

• Infrastructure gaps
• High battery costs
• Supply-chain issues

Pooling provides short-term relief. It helps the industry sell vehicles in Europe and stay within emissions limits.

From Pooling to Full Electrification

For Nissan, this agreement marks another step in its broader electrification plan. The company will launch more all-electric and hybrid vehicles. This plan is backed by new EV production hubs in the UK and Spain. By 2028, Nissan plans to launch several next-gen models. These will help reduce average emissions without depending much on pooling, which is important in its net-zero goal.

Nissan’s Roadmap to Net Zero

Nissan has set a long-term goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire business by 2050. This includes not only vehicle emissions but also their manufacturing, supply chain, and end-of-life processes. The company’s climate strategy focuses on electrifying its lineup, cutting factory emissions, and using more recycled and low-carbon materials.

• Long-Term Goal: Carbon Neutral by 2050

Nissan’s 2050 vision aims for zero emissions across the full lifecycle of its vehicles—from production to use and recycling. The company wants every car it sells, and every factory it operates, to be carbon neutral by mid-century. This goal aligns with global climate efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.

• Mid-Term Targets Under Nissan Green Program 2030

To reach this long-term target, Nissan launched the “Green Program 2030,” a set of mid-term goals that guide its transition over the next decade. The plan includes cutting emissions in both manufacturing and vehicle use.

In Europe, Nissan has set an ambitious goal for all its new cars to be fully electric by 2030. In Asia, the carmaker is also investing in EV supply chains and battery development.

Back in its home, Japan, Nissan has introduced new technologies to reduce factory emissions and is promoting renewable energy use across its facilities. In North America, the company is launching new hybrid and electric models to meet rising consumer demand for cleaner vehicles.

The company plans to reach carbon neutrality through three main strategies:

• Electrification of vehicles
• Cleaner manufacturing
• Circular supply chain

Nissan’s decision to pool emissions with BYD in Europe fits within its broader decarbonization strategy. The deal gives Nissan temporary flexibility as it ramps up production of electric models and upgrades its European operations to lower carbon intensity.

For BYD, the partnership supports its strategy of expanding into European markets. The company continues to grow its sales network across the continent, with production plans in Hungary and potential sites in France. Its role as a compliance partner shows its strength as a global EV leader. It can influence industry trends beyond just its own brand.

Pooling remains a practical tool for now, giving Nissan and others time to adjust. Yet, as regulations tighten and public expectations rise, long-term success will depend on how quickly these companies can shift from depending on emission credits to producing truly zero-emission vehicles of their own.

• READ MORE: 2025 EV Sales Surge: Which Countries Are Winning the Electric Race?

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