Uber and British autonomous driving specialist Wayve have launched a fleet of electric robotaxis in London, marking an important step towards the commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles in the UK.
The initial fleet comprises fewer than 20 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles equipped with Wayve's autonomous driving technology. The cars are being introduced through Uber's existing ride-hailing platform, allowing regular customers to potentially encounter the technology during everyday journeys around the capital.
Passengers cannot specifically request an autonomous vehicle. Instead, Uber may match customers with one of the Wayve-equipped cars when they book a journey, with riders able to accept or decline the vehicle. Fares will be calculated in the same way as conventional Uber journeys.
For now, the vehicles will continue to have trained safety drivers behind the wheel. These drivers can intervene when required while the companies collect real-world operating experience ahead of the UK's move towards fully driverless commercial services.
London presents a particularly challenging environment for autonomous fleet technology. Its road network combines heavy traffic with narrow streets, buses, cyclists, pedestrians and other road users, providing considerably different operating conditions from many cities where robotaxis have already been deployed.
The launch also provides another example of electrification and automation developing alongside each other within urban fleets. Using the all-electric Mustang Mach-E means the programme is simultaneously testing autonomous technology and zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles in intensive commercial use.
Competition in London's emerging autonomous taxi market is also expected to increase. Other autonomous vehicle developers, including Waymo and China's Baidu, have been working towards introducing services in the capital.
While Uber and Wayve's initial fleet is small, the companies plan to expand it over time, making the launch an early test of how autonomous electric vehicles could eventually become part of mainstream UK passenger transport.
Alex Kendall, CEO and Co-founder of Wayve, said:
“We’re proud to introduce the Wayve AI Driver to the public for the first time right here in London, our home city and one of the most complex driving environments in the world. Autonomous driving technology will complement the city’s rich transport network, and we’re excited for Londoners to experience it first as we begin our global rollout with Uber.”
Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility at Uber, said:
“We’re delighted to bring autonomous rides to Uber riders in London for the very first time, powered by Wayve, a homegrown British success story. London is a world-class hub for transportation innovation and this launch is a major milestone in scaling safe, accessible AV technology in a city with some of the world’s most complex roads.”
Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary, said:
“This is a major milestone for the future of transport in London, as British innovation brings this technology onto our roads and gives passengers more choice.
“As this technology develops, we want to support new opportunities for investment and skills, while recognising the important role that those working in the sector today will continue to play.
“Today’s announcement further cements Wayve’s status as a technology trailblazer here in the UK, and highlights how British innovation is helping drive investment and growth in transport.”
