Robotaxi wars will end in Uber-Waymo union
Uber and Waymo’s partnership is fraying as both pursue driverless-car growth, while a potential acquisition of Uber by Alphabet is presented as one possible way to unite their strengths. Uber plans to have more than 2,000 driverless vehicles on its platform by the end of 2027 and tens of thousands by 2028.
1. Partnership under strain
Uber brings a large ride-sharing customer base and operating expertise, while Alphabet’s Waymo has self-driving technology and the largest robotaxi fleet in the United States, with Bernstein estimating it operates more than 4,000 vehicles. Waymo ended its exclusivity agreement with Uber in Austin and Atlanta, and the Phoenix pilot had already wound down.
2. Both pursue expansion
Uber said it expects about 700 driverless vehicles on its platform by the end of 2026, more than 2,000 by the end of 2027 and tens of thousands by 2028. The company has agreements and investments with about 30 firms connected to autonomous vehicles, while Waymo raised funding in February at a reported $126 billion valuation.
3. A possible combination
The article argues that buying Uber could give Waymo an established customer base and ride-sharing operations, while Uber would gain a path into a driverless future. It also notes obstacles to robotaxi adoption, including regulation, insurance costs, safety and the expense of vehicles and their idle miles.
