Uber, Waymo go from robotaxi partners to competitors

Waymo is expected to end its partnership with Uber in Atlanta and Austin, Texas, in 2028, according to multiple media reports. The two ride-hailing companies dissolved their three-year partnership in Phoenix in May, according to the Financial Times. Uber plans to begin robotaxi rides using Lucid vehicles in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area this year, CEO and Director Dara Khosrowshahi said during the company's Aug. 5 earnings call. Uber plans to source up to 20,000 Lucid electric vehicles outfitted with self-driving technology and has ordered 10,000 Rivian robotaxis with an option for 40,000 more to be deployed beginning in 2028. Arthur D. Little Partner Frank McCleary told Smart Cities Dive that Uber recognizes the challenge that Waymo and autonomous vehicles present and is trying to protect its business. While Uber operates in many more cities, Waymo is the leader in robotaxi operations. McCleary said building out autonomous vehicle fleets comes with a high capital cost. Khosrowshahi said last year that robotaxis could generate higher revenue than human drivers but he envisions a hybrid future seamlessly integrating human drivers and autonomous vehicles into a single marketplace. Waymo has used its partnerships with Uber and with Lyft in Nashville, Tennessee, to familiarize riders with driverless vehicles.