Uber has started on‑road testing of a fleet of Volkswagen ID. Buzz robotaxis in Los Angeles, with a human safety driver behind the wheel. The trial follows a multi‑year strategic partnership that promises to roll out thousands of the electric microbuses across the United States. LA serves as the pilot market.

The ID. Buzz adapts Volkswagen’s classic “hippie van” with sliding doors and seating for up to seven passengers, and it can travel roughly 234 miles on a single charge. Those specs make it a natural fit for group rides, expanding Uber’s capacity beyond its usual sedan‑based fleet, and could reduce per‑ride costs for families.

Uber abandoned its own autonomous unit in 2020 and has since stitched together a network of partners, including Waymo in Phoenix and Austin, Avride in Dallas, and WeRide in the Middle East. The company says the LA test keeps it on track for late 2026 rides with safety drivers, while gathering data to fine‑tune the vehicle’s software and passenger experience.

If the pilot proceeds smoothly, Uber and its subsidiary MOIA America plan to field thousands of the EV vans nationwide over the next decade, potentially reshaping urban mobility with larger, zero‑emission ride‑share options. The rollout will test consumer appetite for microbus‑style rides and could set a new standard for fleet composition.