Should you stay in Los Angeles, it’s possible you’ll quickly be capable to hail a Volkswagen ID. Buzz robotaxi from the Uber app. The businesses’ previously announced “multi-year strategic partnership” is nearing a public launch, with on-road testing with a security driver underway.
The autos use tech from MOIA America, the US wing of Volkswagen’s self-driving subsidiary. Uber and MOIA plan to deploy hundreds of ID. Buzz autos throughout the US over the subsequent decade. LA is the pilot metropolis, and if all goes effectively, it’ll unfold to “a number of US markets.” The businesses say they’re nonetheless on monitor for rides (with security drivers) in LA in late 2026.
Uber / MOIA
The ID. Buzz is Volkswagen’s modern take on the automaker’s classic “hippie van” microbus. The top-turning EV has minivan-style sliding doorways and seats as much as seven folks, making it a logical match for bigger teams hailing an Uber. The automobile has a per-charge vary of as much as 234 miles.
After selling its in-house self-driving unit in 2020, Uber pivoted to a brand new technique of partnering with a number of AV firms. It at the moment provides autonomous rides within the US with Waymo (Phoenix, Austin and Atlanta) and Avride (Dallas). Abroad, it has stay service with WeRide in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Uber has an extended checklist of different companions lined up for future providers, together with (amongst others) Rivian, NVIDIA and Zoox, the latter of which additionally plans to debut van rides in LA throughout the subsequent 12 months.
Correction, April 8 2026, 8:50AM ET: A earlier model acknowledged that driverless rides can be out there in 2026; AVs are deliberate to be on LA streets in 2026, however with human security drivers. Engadget regrets the error.
