Spain Grants Historic Approval for Level 4 Autonomous Vehicles
Spain's Directorate General of Traffic has issued the first national authorization for Level 4 autonomous passenger vehicles, allowing companies like Uber and WeRide to initiate plans for a robotaxi service in Madrid. The goal is to start commercial operations by the end of 2026.
Major Step for Autonomous Vehicles in Spain
The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) in Spain has granted the first national authorization for Level 4 autonomous passenger vehicles. This landmark decision permits Uber, WeRide, and AVOMO to begin preparations for launching a robotaxi service in the Community of Madrid.
After years of speculation, fully autonomous vehicles are closer to reality in Madrid. Companies aim to commence commercial operations before the end of 2026, marking a significant shift in urban mobility. Uber is collaborating with WeRide, a Chinese autonomous driving firm, while Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has established a branch in Madrid, signaling its intent to enter the Spanish market.
Pilot Projects and Fleet Deployment
The Community of Madrid plans to initiate a pilot project for autonomous cars and taxis by the end of the year, starting in municipalities like Alcobendas and the capital. The program will last for two years and aims to test this technology in real-world settings with input from various stakeholders, including software developers and taxi representatives.
The DGT authorization allows for the preparation of vehicle operations, including street mapping and route validation. Uber's global head of Autonomous Mobility, Sarfraz Maredia, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating that Madrid is quickly becoming a leading area for autonomous mobility in Europe.
WeRide will deploy a fleet of 20 GXR vehicles across high-demand areas in Madrid. However, initial operations will include a specialist in each vehicle to oversee its functioning. There is currently no set date for fully autonomous operation without human supervision.
Understanding Level 4 Autonomy
The Level 4 vehicles can drive without human intervention under predefined conditions but are not yet capable of handling all driving scenarios, which is the goal of Level 5 autonomy. Notably, Uber is not developing the autonomous driving technology; it will be provided by WeRide, while AVOMO will manage the fleet's operations. This collaboration aims to expand into 15 cities globally, showcasing the international ambition behind these efforts.