Uber and China’s Momenta will test robotaxis in Germany next year

Uber and Chinese autonomous vehicle start-up Momenta plan to start testing robotaxis in Germany next year.

The vehicles aim to start testing in Munich. It is the first public announcement by both companies about their plans in Europe, but it comes amid fierce competition on the continent from other companies. 

Autonomous vehicles are currently classified as level 4, which means the cars can drive without human intervention in specific zones and under certain conditions. 

“Germany has shaped the global automotive industry for more than a century, and now Munich will help shape the future with autonomous vehicles,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, in a statement.

Uber and Momenta first announced the partnership in May last year, saying that the vehicles would launch in Europe in 2026. However, they said at the time that it would initially launch with human safety operators in the car to take control of the vehicles if needed. 

But Uber is not the only ride-hailing company aiming for the European AV market. Lyft also announced a deal with China’s Baidu to deploy robotaxis across Europe next year, beginning with Germany and the United Kingdom. 

Uber has also brought on other companies for its robotaxi venture, such as Waymo in some parts of the United States and WeRide in the Middle East. Uber says these partnerships with some 20 companies have allowed 1.5 million mobility and delivery trips.

However, Momenta and Uber will have to show German regulators that their vehicles meet the country’s safety standards and authorities will need to approve operating areas.

This story was updated with comment from Uber.