Uber deploys 15 autonomous Ford Mustang Mach-Es in London with supervised drivers

Uber and Wayve launched a supervised autonomous ride-hailing service in London on September 3, deploying 15 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles as part of the first public robotaxi program of its kind in the UK. The system, called the Wayve AI Driver, utilizes machine-learning models trained to interpret road conditions from sensor inputs including cameras, radar, and some lidar-based sensing. Unlike fully autonomous services, each vehicle operates with a Transport for London-licensed private hire driver seated behind the wheel. These drivers monitor the trip and can take immediate control at any time if the system requires it. Passengers booking UberX, Uber Electric, or Uber Comfort are matched with these vehicles, but they may choose to switch to a conventional car before pickup. The cost to book an autonomous ride is no higher than standard service fares. Customers accessing the feature must opt into a specific preference, and over 140,000 London users have registered this setting. The initial fleet is limited to the 15 approved vehicles, and airport trips are currently excluded from eligibility. The cars can operate across most of London but are not restricted to small geofenced districts.