Madrid is testing Level 4 autonomous robotaxis
The arrival of robotaxis in Spain has cleared a major regulatory hurdle. The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has granted Uber, WeRide, and Avomo authorization to begin the essential preliminary activities in Madrid for deploying a fleet of Level 4 autonomous vehicles. This advanced technology is designed to take full control of driving under predefined conditions.
The project will launch with 20 WeRide GXR units and serve a preparatory purpose. These vehicles will be used to map routes, generate cartography, and validate the autonomous system's performance in real-world traffic, with a specialist remaining on board during this initial phase. The companies aim to transition these trials into a commercial service before the end of 2026.
Madrid will be the first location for these trials in Spain.
The authorization was granted under the DGT’s ES-AV agreement, which regulates automated vehicle testing on public roads. While this permit allows the technical tasks necessary to prepare for operations to begin, it does not yet constitute final authorization to transport passengers commercially without supervision.
The initial units will operate in various areas of the Madrid region selected for their high transport demand. During this stage, the vehicles' performance under real-world driving conditions will be thoroughly analyzed, alongside route and operational infrastructure adjustments, before the service scope is expanded.
Day-to-day fleet management will be handled by Avomo—a specialized division of Moove Cars—which will oversee vehicle maintenance and preparation. The company already has experience in this field in the United States, where it operates approximately 400 units in cities such as Austin and Atlanta and employs over 200 professionals dedicated to these types of services.
Spain joins Uber and WeRide’s international plan.
Furthermore, Madrid will become one of the markets included in the global partnership established between Uber and WeRide. Both companies plan to expand their technology to 15 international markets and deploy tens of thousands of autonomous vehicles by 2030, with Uber providing the mobility platform and WeRide handling the automated driving system.
The Spanish permit is particularly significant for WeRide’s European expansion, as it marks the first national authorization obtained within the European Union for its GXR model. During this phase, the company will gather technical and operational data for future certifications while continuing to prepare—in collaboration with Uber and Avomo—for the commercial launch scheduled for the end of the year.
