• by Tanya Gazdik , April 24, 2025

Move over Waymo. Uber and Volkswagen are planning an initiative that will result in thousands of electric ID.Buzz vans in the U.S.

Uber Technologies and VW’s U.S. self-driving arm, Volkswagen ADMT (Autonomous Driving Mobility & Transport) will begin testing the vans on roads later this year and plan a commercial launch next year in Los Angeles, they said in a statement on Thursday.

“Driverless cars have been an area of increasing focus for Uber, which has opted to team up with manufacturers and fleet managers after abandoning efforts to develop its own in-house solution,” according to Bloomberg."That’s an idea the company invested heavily in years earlier. One of its most high-profile partnerships is with Waymo in the U.S., with self-driving rides now offered in Phoenix and expanding to Atlanta soon.”

During initial testing, a human operator will be inside the vehicles. The launch will take place in stages and only proceed following necessary regulatory approvals, according to the companies. Uber and VW’s partnership is planned to expand to other major U.S. markets over the next decade.

“Volkswagen’s mobility brand MOIA is supplying the vehicles and the AD software that’ll run them on Uber’s platform,” according to Electrek. “It’s a full-stack approach to bringing self-driving EVs to ride-hailing, and another sign that the robotaxi race is heating up.”

This is Uber’s latest autonomous vehicle partnership.

“The ride-hailing giant has spent the past several years locking up deals with more than 14 autonomous vehicle firms across ride-hailing, delivery and trucking,” according to TechCrunch. “Uber recently launched a robotaxi service with Waymo in Austin, and is about to do the same in Atlanta."

Volkswagen ADMT launched in July 2023 with an autonomous vehicle test program in Austin and a fleet of 10 all-electric ID. Buzz vehicles equipped with partner Mobileye’s technology, per TechCrunch.

Autonomous vehicles are a hot topic.

“Tesla is also working on both robotaxis and a so-called Robovan -- a larger autonomous vehicle designed to transport up to 20 passengers or carry cargo,” according to CNET. “Earlier this week, Tesla tweeted that it had recently completed over 1,500 trips and 15,000 miles using its full self-driving vehicles. Its supervised ride-hailing service is already live for select employees in Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area. On its earnings call Tuesday, the company said it plans to expand the service to the public in Austin as early as June.”