Volkswagen begins testing its self-driving microbuses in Los Angeles ahead of launch with Uber

Volkswagen subsidiary MOIA America and Uber have begun testing autonomous versions of the electric ID. Buzz minivan in Los Angeles, as they prepare to launch a commercial robotaxi service by late 2026. The initial fleet of about 10 vehicles will operate with human safety operators, with plans to scale to over 100 vehicles and begin fully driverless operations in 2027. This is the first U.S. city deployment in their plan to expand to multiple American cities over the next decade.

Key Points

• 1. MOIA America, a Volkswagen subsidiary, and Uber have started testing autonomous ID. Buzz microbuses in Los Angeles with about 10 vehicles.
• 2. The companies aim to launch a commercial robotaxi service in the city by late 2026, with driverless operations expected to begin in 2027.
• 3. The production version of the autonomous ID. Buzz seats four passengers and is fully electric.
• 4. MOIA America and Uber have established a joint facility in Los Angeles for fleet operations, with plans to scale beyond 100 vehicles.
• 5. The companies still need permits from the California DMV and the California Public Utilities Commission before commercial operations can begin.
• 6. Uber has partnerships with 25 autonomous vehicle companies and recently made a $300 million investment in Rivian for 10,000 autonomous R2 robotaxis.

Relevance

• Volkswagen's entry into U.S. autonomous ride-hailing through its iconic ID. Buzz platform brings a major legacy automaker into direct competition with Waymo and other robotaxi operators.
• The partnership model with Uber reflects a growing trend where traditional automakers focus on vehicle technology while ride-hail platforms provide the commercial infrastructure.
• California's regulatory requirements present a significant hurdle that will test whether Volkswagen can meet its ambitious late-2026 commercial launch timeline.

The Volkswagen-Uber autonomous vehicle partnership in Los Angeles represents a critical test of whether traditional automakers can compete in the rapidly evolving robotaxi market.