Volkswagen Partners with Uber for 500 Robotaxis in Los Angeles

Volkswagen has unveiled its latest innovation in the autonomous vehicle sector, a robotaxi designed specifically for Uber's fleet in Los Angeles. The first 500 of these vehicles are scheduled for delivery next year, marking a significant step forward in the company's ambitions within the autonomous ride-hailing market. Volkswagen believes this market could grow to €450 billion by 2035, a projection that has driven the company to partner with Intel subsidiary Mobileye to develop a competitive product. Unlike other carmakers who have abandoned their autonomous vehicle projects, Volkswagen aims to supply the technology while leaving the fleet management to partners like Uber.

Volkswagen's ID. Buzz AD, the autonomous version of its retro microbus EV, is designed to meet the specific needs of the ride-hailing market. The vehicle can comfortably transport a family of four along with their luggage, making it ideal for trips to the airport. Passengers can access the vehicle wirelessly via their smartphone or manually by entering an access code on a side panel. The powered sliding door can open and close automatically, ensuring easy entry even in tight spaces. Inside, the vehicle offers ample space for passengers and luggage, with a dedicated bin for small items and room for two large suitcases in the rear.

The ID. Buzz AD is equipped with a high-tech sensor suite, including a roof-mounted laser scanner and eight LiDAR devices, which are better concealed by the vehicle's black exterior paint. Additionally, the vehicle features 13 cameras and 5 radar sensors, enabling it to detect objects from 300 meters away to immediately in front of its bumper. These sensors are identical to those found in other Volkswagen Group cars, ensuring industrial-scale manufacturing and cost efficiency. The vehicle's brain is powered by Intel's Mobileye chips and software stack, which use swarm intelligence to constantly update the system's onboard map using data from cars already in the field. This collaboration allows Volkswagen to offer a vehicle capable of driving up to 120 kilometers per hour around the clock, regardless of weather conditions.

Volkswagen's approach to the autonomous ride-hailing market is unique in that it offers a white-label package. This includes the necessary backend software to manage the fleet economically, a digital customer booking platform, and training for fleet managers. Customers can simply add their own branding to the customer-facing touchpoints, making it easy to start taking on fares. This strategy minimizes financial risks by integrating the zero-emission electric vehicle into existing production plans, rather than requiring a dedicated factory line. Volkswagen's ambition in this market is clear, as it aims to compete with deep-pocketed tech companies like Waymo and Tesla, who are also making significant strides in the autonomous vehicle sector.