Uber Invests in Autonomous Vehicle Charging Hubs Amid Robotaxi Expansion
- tech360.tv
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Uber Technologies will invest over USD 100 million to develop autonomous vehicle charging hubs, signifying the ride-hailing company’s push to expand its self-driving operations. This move supports its push to scale up self-driving operations, which encompass its global robotaxi services and autonomous freight, delivery, and taxi partnerships.
The investment includes building DC fast charging stations at Uber’s autonomous depots, where day-to-day fleet operations occur. Pit stops across priority cities will also receive these charging stations.
The charging expansion will begin in the United States, targeting the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Further cities will be included over time as the programme develops.
Uber is also collaborating with chargepoint operators in global markets to establish utilisation guarantee agreements. These partnerships aim to roll out hundreds of new chargers in high-demand areas.
Partnerships include EVgo in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston, and Electra in Paris and Madrid. Hubber and Ionity will support the initiative in London, expanding the charging network.
Autonomous vehicles are a key strategic priority for Uber, which has partnered with more than 20 global firms for self-driving freight, delivery, and taxi services. The company aims to secure market share against competitors such as Tesla.
Uber currently offers robotaxis on its ride-hailing platform in four U.S. cities, alongside services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. The company partners with robotaxi firms, including Waymo, an Alphabet subsidiary, and China’s WeRide, for autonomous vehicle fleet operations.
The company has previously affirmed its capital-intensive, early-stage autonomous vehicle strategy. It is committing capital to vehicle partners to secure early supply and accelerate deployments, leveraging its platform’s structural advantage.
Uber Technologies plans to invest over USD 100 million in autonomous vehicle charging hubs.
The initiative supports Uber's expansion of self-driving operations and robotaxi services, with the charging expansion beginning in the U.S. and global markets supported through partnerships.
DC fast charging stations will be built at Uber's autonomous depots and pit stops in cities like the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
Source: REUTERS
