In a groundbreaking move that signals the future of urban transportation, Uber and Chinese autonomous vehicle pioneer Momenta have announced plans to launch robotaxi testing in Munich, Germany starting in 2026. This strategic partnership represents the first continental European deployment for both companies, marking a significant milestone in the global expansion of autonomous vehicles technology.
Autonomous Vehicles Revolution Comes to Europe
The Uber-Momenta collaboration, initially unveiled in May 2025, will introduce Momenta-powered autonomous vehicles on Uber’s platform across Europe beginning in 2026. Initially, these vehicles will operate with human safety operators monitoring operations and ready to intervene if necessary. This cautious approach demonstrates the companies’ commitment to safety while advancing autonomous vehicles technology.
Why Munich for Autonomous Vehicles Testing?
Uber selected Munich as its European launchpad due to the city’s rich engineering heritage and robust automotive ecosystem. Germany’s century-long leadership in automotive innovation makes it an ideal testing ground for next-generation autonomous vehicles. As Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated, “Munich will help shape the future with autonomous vehicles.”
Competitive Autonomous Vehicles Landscape
The partnership positions Uber in direct competition with other ride-hailing companies expanding into Europe’s autonomous vehicles market. Notably, Lyft recently announced a deal with China’s Baidu to deploy robotaxis across Europe starting next year. The race to dominate the European autonomous vehicles market is clearly intensifying.
Momenta’s Autonomous Vehicles Expertise
Founded in 2016, Momenta stands as one of China’s earliest and most experienced autonomous vehicles companies. The Beijing-based startup has been testing self-driving cars in China since 2018 and has established itself as a major player in the competitive autonomous vehicles market. Their technology already powers advanced driver assistance systems in 400,000 vehicles from partner automakers including Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.
Global Autonomous Vehicles Partnerships
Momenta joins Uber’s network of 20 global autonomous vehicles partners across ride-hailing, delivery, and freight businesses. These partnerships have already generated an annualized rate of 1.5 million mobility and delivery trips. Uber’s existing autonomous vehicles partnerships include Waymo in the U.S. and collaborations with Chinese AV startups WeRide and Pony.ai in the Middle East.
Regulatory Challenges for Autonomous Vehicles
The successful deployment of autonomous vehicles in Germany requires Momenta to prove its vehicles meet stringent safety standards and obtain approval for designated operating areas. The certification process represents a critical hurdle that must be cleared before public testing can commence in 2026.
Future of Autonomous Vehicles Expansion
The Munich deployment could mark Momenta’s first robotaxi service in Europe, following their operational service in Shanghai. The company plans commercial rollout with onboard safety operators by the end of this year as they continue developing Level 4 autonomous vehicles capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Uber and Momenta begin testing autonomous vehicles in Munich?
Testing is scheduled to begin in 2026, initially with human safety operators monitoring the autonomous vehicles.
Why did Uber choose Munich for autonomous vehicles testing?
Munich was selected due to its strong engineering heritage, automotive ecosystem, and Germany’s historical leadership in automotive innovation.
What safety measures will be in place during testing?
All autonomous vehicles will initially operate with human safety operators who can monitor operations and take control if needed.
How does this partnership fit into Uber’s broader autonomous vehicles strategy?
This represents Uber’s first continental European autonomous vehicles deployment and is part of their network of 20 global AV partners across multiple business segments.
What regulatory approvals are required for autonomous vehicles testing in Germany?
Momenta must demonstrate compliance with German safety standards and obtain approval for designated geo-fenced operating zones before testing can begin.
How does Momenta’s experience benefit this autonomous vehicles partnership?
Momenta brings extensive autonomous vehicles testing experience from China since 2018 and existing partnerships with German automakers including Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.
