Spain has granted its first national permit for Level 4 autonomous passenger vehicles, allowing WeRide, Uber, and AVOMO to deploy a fleet of 20 robotaxis in the Madrid region. This authorization from Spain’s Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) enables the companies to begin public-road preparations, including mapping and operational testing, ahead of a planned commercial launch. The permit was issued under Spain’s ES-AV framework, which governs the testing and operation of automated vehicles on public roads, ensuring compliance with stringent safety and regulatory standards.
The initial phase will see the vehicles operating with specialists onboard in high-demand areas across Greater Madrid. These specialists, known as vehicle operators, will monitor the autonomous systems and intervene if necessary, ensuring safety during the early stages of deployment. Commercial operations are targeted for the end of 2026, contingent on meeting regulatory and operational requirements, including the completion of extensive testing and validation processes.
Madrid’s Robotaxi Fleet: A Collaborative Effort
The project involves a three-company structure: AVOMO manages fleet operations, WeRide provides autonomous driving technology, and Uber offers the ride-hailing platform. This division of responsibilities aims to streamline the management of the robotaxi network, leveraging each company’s expertise. AVOMO, as the autonomous vehicle division of Moove Cars Group, brings operational efficiency, while WeRide’s technology and Uber’s platform ensure seamless integration into existing transportation ecosystems.
The 20-vehicle fleet will be equipped with WeRide’s autonomous driving technology and deployed in several high-demand areas. The authorization marks the first national approval in the European Union for WeRide’s GXR autonomous passenger vehicle, positioning the Madrid deployment as a potential test case for broader European expansion. This milestone shows Spain’s role as a pioneer in adopting advanced autonomous vehicle technologies within the EU.
From Announcement to Deployment
WeRide and Uber first announced their Madrid plans in June, outlining a phased approach to fully driverless operations. The newly issued permit is a critical step toward that goal, allowing the companies to transition from planning to public-road deployment. This phase includes route validation, where the vehicles will learn to handle Madrid’s complex urban environment, and operational testing, which ensures the fleet meets safety and performance benchmarks.
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While the permit enables testing and preparation, it does not mean fully driverless rides are immediately available. Passengers will need to wait until the fleet completes mapping, route validation, and operational readiness work. This gradual approach is designed to build public trust and ensure the technology performs reliably in real-world conditions.
This progression mirrors past transitions in autonomous vehicle testing, where gradual public exposure has been key to building trust and ensuring safety. Madrid’s project follows a similar cautious approach, with specialists onboard during the initial phase. This strategy aligns with global best practices in autonomous vehicle deployment, prioritizing safety and public acceptance.
Uber’s Autonomous Expansion in Europe and Beyond
Madrid is one of 15 cities included in the strategic partnership between WeRide and Uber, with plans to expand to 11 more cities by 2030. The companies aim to deploy tens of thousands of autonomous vehicles across their international markets, transforming urban mobility. This expansion reflects Uber’s commitment to reducing its reliance on human drivers and transitioning to a more efficient, technology-driven model.
Uber has already launched autonomous rides in Zagreb and Dubai, with Madrid marking its first European deployment involving WeRide. In Zagreb, autonomous vehicles operate with a licensed operator onboard, while Dubai features fully driverless services. Madrid’s project combines elements of both, starting with supervised operations before transitioning to fully autonomous rides. The next milestone for Madrid will be the transition to a commercial service that passengers can request, expected before the end of 2026. This will mark a significant step forward in making autonomous transportation a mainstream reality in Europe.