WeRide Targets 2,000–3,000 Robotaxis After 75% AI Cost Cut; Partners with Uber in Abu Dhabi Service
WeRide aims to double its robotaxi fleet to 2,000–3,000 vehicles by year-end from over 1,000 units and has cut testing costs by 75% using its in-house Genesis AI platform. Uber and WeRide launched Abu Dhabi’s first commercial robotaxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi, marking a strategic partnership in autonomous ride-hailing.
1. AI-Driven Cost Reductions
WeRide has reduced data collection and training expenses by 75% with its in-house Genesis AI simulator platform, cutting testing costs and accelerating autonomous driving development by simulating complex scenarios such as heavy traffic, nighttime conditions and extreme weather.
2. Fleet Expansion Plans
The company plans to grow its robotaxi fleet from just over 1,000 units in January to 2,000–3,000 vehicles by the end of the year, and aims to scale to tens of thousands of autonomous taxis globally by 2030.
3. Uber Partnership and Service Launch
Uber Technologies and WeRide have launched Abu Dhabi’s first commercial downtown robotaxi service, deploying driverless vehicles in the city center and marking a strategic alliance to expand autonomous ride-hailing offerings.
4. Competitive Context
WeRide competes with global rivals including Waymo, Pony AI and Baidu’s Apollo Go, and expects a slight rise in R&D spending in 2026 to support fleet growth and technology advancement without compromising its cost-reduction strategy.