On May 14, 2025, Chinese autonomous driving company Pony.ai reported a vehicle fire incident involving one of its robotaxis in Beijing. While no casualties were reported, the event has attracted significant public attention and prompted regulatory intervention.

Following the incident, Pony.ai’s autonomous driving operations and road testing activities in Beijing have been suspended. The company’s ride-hailing app no longer displays robotaxi booking options. Sources familiar with the situation indicate that local authorities have issued an official suspension of all autonomous services, with no confirmed timeline for their resumption.

The fire has also triggered a notable response in the capital markets. Pony.ai’s stock price fell more than 10% overnight after the incident was made public. Despite remaining over 25% up for the year, the sudden decline highlights heightened investor sensitivity to safety issues in the autonomous vehicle sector and reflects underlying concerns about trust in the technology.

Industry analysts suggest that finding the right balance between innovation and public safety will be crucial for the sustainable growth of autonomous vehicle enterprises in China and beyond.