Avride Expands Robotaxi Testing in Dallas Ahead of 2025 Uber Launch

Autonomous technology startup Avride has announced an expansion of its vehicle testing in Dallas, Texas, as it prepares to launch robotaxi services on Uber's platform by the end of 2025. This initiative is part of a broader partnership between Avride and Uber, established in October 2024, which initially introduced Avride's delivery robots to Uber Eats in Austin, later expanding to Dallas and Jersey City. The upcoming robotaxi fleet will utilize Hyundai Motor's IONIQ 5 electric vehicles, integrated with Avride's autonomous driving technology.

Avride, a Texas-based startup, has been at the forefront of developing self-driving technology. In March 2025, the company partnered with Hyundai Motor Company to expand its fleet of robotaxis. This collaboration aims to increase Avride's fleet to 100 Hyundai IONIQ 5 vehicles in 2025, with further expansion anticipated in 2026. These vehicles are manufactured at Hyundai’s Metaplant facility in Georgia and are equipped with Avride's autonomous driving technology.

Uber's Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery, Sarfraz Maredia, highlighted the significance of this development, stating, "Soon, Uber riders will have a new way to move around the city, marking another step toward making autonomous transportation part of everyday life."

Dmitry Polishchuk, CEO of Avride, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming launch: "At Avride, we can’t wait to bring our robotaxi service to Dallas. With our autonomous delivery robots already trusted by customers on Uber Eats, we’re excited to expand that experience to passenger rides on Uber, bringing scalable autonomy to urban mobility."

The introduction of robotaxis in Dallas is expected to have several implications:

• Urban Mobility: The deployment of autonomous vehicles could enhance transportation accessibility, reduce traffic congestion, and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional ride-hailing services.

• Employment: While autonomous vehicles may reduce the demand for human drivers, they could also create new job opportunities in technology development, maintenance, and oversight of autonomous systems.

• Regulatory Landscape: The deployment of autonomous vehicles necessitates the establishment of comprehensive regulatory frameworks to ensure safety, address liability concerns, and integrate these technologies into existing transportation infrastructures.

This development is part of a broader trend in the autonomous vehicle industry, with companies like Waymo and May Mobility also expanding their robotaxi services in various U.S. cities. As Avride and Uber move forward with their plans, the success of this initiative could serve as a model for future deployments in other cities, signaling a transformative shift in how people navigate urban environments.