Robotaxi service debuts on London’s busy streets as Europe weighs more self-driving vehicles
Summary
Uber and British tech company Wayve have launched London’s first self-driving taxi service using electric Ford Mustang Mach-E cars with autonomous technology. At first, a human driver will be present for safety, as full driverless approval is still pending under UK rules.Key Facts
- The new robotaxi service began on September 1, 2026, in London.
- Cars used are Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles with Wayve’s self-driving tech.
- A human safety driver sits behind the wheel to intervene if needed.
- UK rules require approval for fully driverless taxi operation; approvals are still in progress.
- London’s busy, narrow, and crowded streets make self-driving technology challenging to deploy.
- Uber already operates robotaxis with safety drivers in Europe, such as in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Fully driverless robotaxis operate in parts of the U.S. and China without human intervention.
- Other companies like Waymo, Baidu, and Pony.ai are also preparing to launch autonomous taxis in London.
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