Volkswagen оf America and Uber have announced a plan tо launch a commercial robotaxi service using autonomous, electric VW ID. BUZZ microbuses. The service іs expected tо start іn Los Angeles by late 2026, with more cities tо follow over the next decade. Initially, the vehicles will have human safety drivers before transitioning tо full autonomy іn 2027.
Regulatory Steps and Testing Timeline
Volkswagen’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Volkswagen ADMT, will begin testing іn Los Angeles later this year after securing a permit from the California DMV. The company has up tо two years tо navigate regulatory hurdles, including additional approvals from the California Public Utilities Commission tо operate commercially.
From Argo AI to Mobileye: A Shift in Strategy
Volkswagen ADMT was officially launched in July 2023 with a fleet of 10 ID. Buzz vehicles in Austin, using technology from Mobileye. This came after Volkswagen and Ford shut down their joint investment in the AV startup Argo AI. Since then, VW has deepened its collaboration with Mobileye, making it central to its autonomous vehicle efforts in the U.S.
Uber’s Expanding AV Ecosystem
Uber continues to form strategic partnerships in the autonomous vehicle space, with over 14 deals across ride-hailing, delivery, and trucking. It recently launched a robotaxi service with Waymo in Austin and plans to do the same in Atlanta. The collaboration with Volkswagen aligns with Uber’s broader AV goals and VW’s strategy to sell its self-driving vans and fleet software rather than build its own ride-hailing service.
