Uber and Momenta to Pilot Autonomous Vehicle Trials in Germany by 2026
Ride-hailing leader Uber has announced an exciting partnership with Chinese autonomous vehicle startup Momenta to begin testing robotaxis in Munich, Germany, starting in 2026. This initiative marks the first time either company has publicly revealed plans to operate in a continental European city. The collaboration aims to expand into additional markets, showcasing the growing interest in autonomous transportation solutions across Europe.
Details of the Partnership
The partnership between Uber and Momenta was first disclosed in May 2025. Uber revealed that vehicles powered by Momenta would be integrated into its platform in Europe, with initial operations featuring human safety operators onboard. These operators will monitor the vehicles and take control if necessary, ensuring passenger safety during the testing phase. This collaboration is part of Uber’s broader strategy to enhance its service offerings and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle landscape.
Momenta, established in 2016, is recognized as one of China’s pioneering autonomous vehicle companies. The Beijing-based startup has been actively testing self-driving cars in China since 2018 and has emerged as a significant player in the country’s competitive AV market. With this partnership, Uber aims to leverage Momenta’s expertise in autonomous technology to enhance its operations in Europe.
Competition in the Autonomous Vehicle Market
Uber’s entry into the European robotaxi market puts it in direct competition with other ride-hailing services. Notably, Lyft recently announced a partnership with China’s Baidu to deploy robotaxis across Europe, starting with Germany and the UK. This competitive landscape highlights the increasing interest in autonomous vehicles among ride-hailing companies, as they seek to innovate and capture market share in this emerging sector.
Uber has established a network of 20 global AV partners, which includes Momenta and other Chinese startups like WeRide and Pony.ai. These partnerships have already resulted in an impressive annualized rate of 1.5 million mobility and delivery trips. In the United States, Uber has integrated Waymo’s robotaxis into its app in several major cities, including Austin, Atlanta, and San Francisco, further solidifying its position in the autonomous vehicle market.
Strategic Choice of Munich
Uber has chosen Munich as the launch city for its European robotaxi initiative due to the city’s rich engineering heritage and robust automotive ecosystem. Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, emphasized the significance of Germany in shaping the global automotive industry over the past century. He expressed confidence that Munich will play a pivotal role in the future of autonomous vehicles.
As part of the rollout, Momenta will need to navigate the regulatory landscape in Germany. The company must demonstrate to German authorities that its vehicles meet specific safety standards and secure approval for designated operating areas, known as “geo-fenced zones.” This certification process is crucial for ensuring the safe deployment of robotaxis in the region.
Future Prospects for Momenta
The upcoming launch in Munich could represent Momenta’s first foray into the European robotaxi market. The company has been operating a service in Shanghai and plans to expand its commercial rollout with onboard safety operators by the end of this year. As Momenta continues to develop its Level 4 autonomous capabilities, it is also collaborating with major automakers, including German brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, to deploy advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Currently, Momenta’s ADAS technology is installed in 400,000 vehicles sold to customers, showcasing its growing influence in the automotive sector.
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