Driverless Taxi: MOIA Deploys Autonomous Minivans on Roads in the US and Europe

The MOIA company, owned by the Volkswagen Group, has announced plans to launch a robotaxi service based on the ID. Buzz AD electric vehicle as early as 2026. Pilot tests of autonomous minivans have already begun in Hamburg, and the first commercial launch is scheduled in Los Angeles in partnership with Uber.

The electric minibus ID. Buzz AD is equipped with 27 sensors for autonomous driving, including 13 cameras, 9 lidars, and 5 radars. Control is entrusted to the Mobileye Drive system with level 4 autonomy, which means the possibility of driverless operation in most scenarios, although with some restrictions for now.

MOIA focuses on cooperation with corporate clients and mobility operators. An intelligent fleet management platform will analyze data in real-time, optimizing routes and reducing downtime.

The development of autonomous transport is a key element of Volkswagen's strategy in the race for future market leadership. Competition with players like Tesla and Waymo forces the acceleration of new technologies' implementation, which could redefine urban mobility standards.