Uber takes another shot at self-driving cars
Uber is reigniting its ambition to become a leader in the self-driving car industry, after previously selling its autonomous vehicle unit to Aurora for a minority stake. The ride-hailing giant is now partnering with former rivals in the sector, aiming to offer its over 150 million monthly users access to this innovative technology. This strategic shift marks a significant step toward Uber's vision of having a fleet of autonomous cars.
Partnership with Wayve to advance autonomous vehicle technology
Uber has announced a partnership with Wayve, a UK-based start-up specializing in driverless vehicles. The collaboration involves a strategic investment by Uber in Wayve, extending its $1 billion Series C funding round from May. This move aligns with Uber's goal of creating "a world where modern vehicles are shared, electric, and autonomous," as stated by CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.
Wayve's unique approach to autonomous vehicle technology
Wayve is pioneering a unique approach in the autonomous vehicle sector, focusing on "mapless" AI. This innovative technology aims to enable automated vehicles "to operate without geofenced limits," typically used in areas where such vehicles roam. The partnership with Uber is expected to bolster Wayve's efforts in this direction, potentially revolutionizing the way self-driving cars navigate their environments.
Uber's strategic collaboration extend beyond Wayve
Uber's strategic alliances extend beyond Wayve. Earlier this month, the company has also announced a "multiyear strategic partnership" with Cruise, a self-driving car company owned by General Motors. This collaboration aims to make Cruise vehicles available on the Uber app next year. Additionally, in October 2023, Uber partnered with Waymo — Alphabet's autonomous vehicle business — to offer customers in Phoenix the option to request a Waymo ride via the Uber app.
Plans to integrate Chinese EVs into its platform
In July, Uber revealed plans to incorporate 100,000 vehicles from Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD onto its platform. The initial rollout will begin in Europe and Latin America. While the primary focus of this partnership is to increase the number of EVs on Uber's app, both companies have expressed their intention to "collaborate on future BYD autonomous-capable vehicles," potentially expanding their reach to a global audience.
Uber refocuses on robotaxis amid Tesla's threat
Uber is reasserting its commitment to autonomous vehicles by forging new partnerships, responding to the looming threat of Tesla's upcoming robotaxis. Interest in this technology has surged this year following Elon Musk's announcement that Tesla would unveil a robotaxi, although the reveal has been postponed from August to October. A successful launch could directly challenge Uber.
