Uber and Momenta to Test Self-Driving Cars in Germany | 2026

Uber and Momenta to Test Robotaxis in Munich

Uber, the prominent ride-hailing company, and Momenta, a Chinese startup specializing in autonomous vehicle technology, are preparing to initiate robotaxi testing in Munich, Germany, beginning in 2026.

This marks the first publicly announced European city for both organizations to deploy this technology, with further expansion into additional markets anticipated.

Partnership Details and Timeline

The collaboration was initially revealed in May 2025, with Uber stating that vehicles powered by Momenta’s technology would be integrated into its European platform in 2026.

Initially, these vehicles will operate with human safety operators present to oversee operations and assume control when necessary.

Momenta's Background and Position

Established in 2016, Momenta is recognized as one of China’s pioneering autonomous vehicle companies.

Based in Beijing, the startup has been conducting self-driving car tests within China since 2018 and is a significant competitor in the nation’s rapidly evolving AV landscape.

Competitive Landscape in Europe

Uber’s entry into the European AV market positions it as a direct competitor to other ride-hailing services pursuing similar expansions.

For instance, Lyft recently announced a partnership with China’s Baidu to deploy robotaxis across Europe, starting next year, with Germany and the U.K. as initial target locations.

Uber's Broader AV Strategy

Momenta is one of twenty global AV partners currently collaborating with Uber across its ride-hailing, delivery, and freight sectors.

Uber reports that these partnerships have already facilitated an annualized rate of 1.5 million mobility and delivery trips.

Current Robotaxi Deployments

Within the U.S., Uber currently offers Waymo’s robotaxis through its application in cities including Austin, Atlanta, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Internationally, Uber has established partnerships with Momenta, WeRide, and Pony.ai, all Chinese AV startups, to introduce robotaxis onto the Uber platform in the Middle East.

Currently, Uber and WeRide provide AV rides in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, with plans for expansion into Dubai.

Furthermore, Uber and U.K.-based Wayve have recently announced plans to begin public road trials of Level 4 AVs in London.

Understanding Level 4 Autonomy

(Level 4 autonomy signifies the vehicle’s ability to operate independently of human intervention under specific conditions.)

Why Munich?

Uber has stated that it selected Munich as its European launch location due to the city’s established engineering expertise and robust automotive industry.

“Germany has shaped the global automotive industry for more than a century, and now Munich will help shape the future with autonomous vehicles,” stated Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber.

Regulatory Approvals and Next Steps

TechCrunch has contacted Uber and Momenta to ascertain whether the certification process in Germany has commenced.

Momenta will be required to demonstrate to German regulators that its vehicles adhere to stringent safety standards and obtain approval for its designated operating areas, known as “geo-fenced zones.”

Momenta's Expansion Plans

This launch could represent Momenta’s initial robotaxi deployment in Europe.

The company is currently operating a service in Shanghai and intends to initiate a commercial rollout with onboard safety operators by the end of the current year.

Alongside its Level 4 development, Momenta is also focused on deploying advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in collaboration with automotive partners, including prominent German brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi.

According to the company, Momenta’s ADAS is currently installed in 400,000 vehicles sold to customers.