Uber Partners with Chinese Startup Momenta for Autonomous Vehicles

Uber Expands Autonomous Vehicle Partnerships

Uber revealed a new collaboration focused on autonomous vehicles on Friday. This strategic move allows the company to capitalize on its leading position in the ride-hail and delivery markets.

The company is choosing to partner with firms specializing in self-driving technology, rather than developing this technology internally.

Momenta Joins Uber's AV Network

The latest startup to join Uber’s network is Momenta, a Chinese self-driving technology company. This partnership signifies a continued effort to broaden Uber’s autonomous capabilities.

This announcement follows closely on the heels of Uber’s agreement with May Mobility, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, adding them to its growing list of autonomous vehicle collaborators.

Expanding Global Reach

Uber plans to integrate Momenta’s robotaxis into its application, beginning in Europe in early 2026. Initially, these vehicles will operate with safety operators present.

Momenta CEO Xudong Cao stated that this collaboration establishes the essential ecosystem required for the global scaling of autonomous driving technology.

Responding to Potential Competition

Uber’s series of agreements, extending into both trucking and delivery services, may be a response to anticipated competition from Tesla.

Tesla intends to launch its initial robotaxi service in Austin this summer.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has suggested that a future software update will enable all Tesla vehicles to function as fully self-driving vehicles for ride-hailing purposes.

A Shift in Strategy

Uber previously maintained its own self-driving division, but it was sold to Aurora Innovation in 2020. This sale marked a shift in the company’s approach to autonomous vehicle technology.

The company now focuses on integrating self-driving technology developed by other companies into its existing platform.