Uber receives authorization from the DGT to test level 4 autonomous cars in Madrid

Uber has become the first company to receive authorization from the DGT to test level 4 autonomous cars in Madrid, as EL MUNDO has been able to confirm with sources close to the process.

Thus, the starting signal will soon be given to the joint plan of the American company with the Community of Madrid and WeRide and Avomo as technological partners to map the capital and kick off these tests.

These are tests where autonomy will be used on short journeys and the vehicle can also intervene to avoid an accident.

For the company, it is the first step towards launching a commercial service in testing, a milestone that it hopes to reach before the end of the year.

In addition, it is the fourth city in which Uber and WeRide begin to operate jointly of the 15 that have been set as a goal to cover until 2030.

With this move, Madrid accelerates to rival Munich as the first city in the European Union with an autonomous robotaxis service in operation.

In an initial phase, there will be around twenty vehicles deployed that will have a specialist driver on board and will travel through various areas of high demand in the Community of Madrid.

With the current authorization, the alliance of companies will be in charge of mapping, validating possible routes and preparing future services.

The company states that they consider that these tests will lay the foundation for future commercial autonomous passenger transport services and will also allow the establishment of a framework for the certification of the sale of autonomous cars.