Volkswagen launches autonomous ID. Buzz taxi, and it's coming to Uber

Volkswagen is stepping into the self-driving spotlight with its production-ready ID. Buzz AD, a driverless electric van. Set to go global next year, this autonomous Buzz puts Volkswagen ahead of some competitors in the race to deploy robotaxi fleets. While many focus on consumer-centric autonomous features, Volkswagen takes a different approach by offering a complete robotaxi package for businesses and cities.

Surprisingly, the ID. Buzz AD isn't just a regular EV with self-driving features tacked on; it's a dedicated autonomous solution. Volkswagen Group's ride-pooling company, MOIA, highlights that these autonomous vans arrive fully equipped for operation. This "Mobility-as-a-Service" (AD MaaS) platform includes a full set of sensors and the necessary certifications, making it easy for operators to quickly launch their own ride-sharing services. This contrasts sharply with the massive research and development investments typically needed to enter the autonomous vehicle industry.

Underneath its charming retro-futuristic exterior, the ID. Buzz AD has an impressive array of 27 sensors. This includes 13 cameras, 9 LiDAR sensors, and 5 radars, all feeding data to a Mobileye-sourced computer brain. This sophisticated system allows the vehicle to make informed decisions in diverse situations, even when emergency vehicles are present.

The ID. Buzz AD meets SAE Level 4 automated vehicle standards, meaning it can handle all driving tasks within defined conditions without human input, though remote supervision remains possible. This is a big leap compared to the Level 2 systems found in many consumer EVs, which still require constant driver attention. The ID. Buzz AD features four passenger seats, with a luggage rack replacing the front passenger seat. Of course, no one occupies the driver's seat during public trips.

The software platform managing Volkswagen's autonomous vehicles uses artificial intelligence to monitor the entire fleet, and it can automatically assist passengers and seamlessly integrate with existing ride-sharing applications. This comprehensive, turnkey solution from MOIA has been created to democratize the autonomous vehicle market, allowing more players to establish ride-hailing or ride-pooling businesses without needing to develop their own complex self-driving technology from scratch.

The deployment of these electric vans is already taking shape. In the United States, Uber has partnered with MOIA to introduce thousands of self-driving ID. Buzz robotaxis over the next decade. Los Angeles will see the initial rollout, with the first full commercial fleet expected to begin operations next year. MOIA already operates a successful ride-pooling service with electric vans in the German cities of Hanover and Hamburg.

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