Uber and Volkswagen to Launch Self-Driving Electric Robotaxi Service in US
▼ Summary
– Volkswagen of America and Uber are launching a commercial robotaxi service with autonomous electric VW ID. BUZZ vehicles in several U.S. cities over the next decade, starting in Los Angeles by late 2026.
– Initially, human safety operators will be present, but the service aims to transition to driverless operation by 2027.
– Volkswagen ADMT, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary, has up to two years to secure regulatory permits in California for testing and launching the service.
– Testing is expected to begin in Los Angeles later this year, pending approval from the California DMV and the California Public Utilities Commission.
– The collaboration with Uber is a significant step for Volkswagen ADMT, which was launched in July 2023, and aligns with Volkswagen’s strategy to sell self-driving vans and fleet management software rather than developing its own ride-hailing service.
Volkswagen of America and Uber have announced a bold initiative to roll out a commercial robotaxi service featuring autonomous electric VW ID. BUZZ vehicles across several U.S. cities over the next decade.
The plan kicks off in Los Angeles by late 2026, marking the first city to experience this innovative service. Although the initial phase will include human safety operators behind the wheel, the vehicles are expected to transition to driverless operation by 2027, according to a VW spokesperson.
This timeline provides Volkswagen ADMT, Volkswagen of America’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary, with up to two years to navigate California’s regulatory framework and secure the necessary permits for testing and eventually launching a commercial service.
Testing of these autonomous vehicles is slated to begin in Los Angeles later this year, pending the initial testing permit from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV oversees the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles in the state, while the California Public Utilities Commission manages permits for the commercial ride-hailing component of robotaxi services.
The partnership with Uber represents a significant milestone for Volkswagen ADMT. The subsidiary was publicly launched in July 2023 with an autonomous vehicle test program in Austin, featuring a fleet of 10 all-electric ID Buzz vehicles equipped with Mobileye’s technology.
After Volkswagen Group and Ford withdrew their financial support from startup Argo, which had been central to their autonomous vehicle strategies, Volkswagen pivoted to Mobileye for autonomous vehicle technology. This partnership has since strengthened, culminating in the establishment of Volkswagen ADMT approximately nine months following Argo’s closure.
In 2023, Volkswagen stated it was not looking to develop its own ride-hailing service. However, it saw potential in selling self-driving ID Buzz vans and fleet management software to other companies.
The collaboration with Uber aligns with this vision.
“Volkswagen is not just a car manufacturer — we are shaping the future of mobility, and our collaboration with Uber accelerates that vision,” said Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility. “Our unique advantage lies in merging high-volume manufacturing expertise with cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of urban mobility needs.”
This initiative is the latest in Uber’s series of partnerships with various autonomous vehicle firms. Over the past several years, Uber has secured deals with more than 14 companies across ride-hailing, delivery, and trucking sectors. Recently, Uber launched a robotaxi service with Waymo in Austin and is preparing to introduce a similar service in Atlanta.
(Source: TechCrunch)
