Uber And Motional Tap Las Vegas For Their Collaborative Robotaxi Debut

Uber Technologies, Inc UBER and Motional, the Hyundai Motor Co, Ltd HYMLF - Aptiv PLC APTV joint venture focused on commercializing self-driving technology, launched a robotaxi service in Las Vegas.
The launch marks the first step in the companies’ 10-year plan to co-scale across major North American cities.
For the first time, Uber customers can hail an autonomous ride using Motional’s all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5-based robotaxis.
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Motional’s new all-electric IONIQ 5 robotaxis will be available on UberX and Uber Comfort Electric in select markets.
Motional has already launched similar services in Las Vegas on both the Lyft, Inc LYFT and Via networks, TechCrunch reports.
It comes a year after Motional and Uber partnered to test autonomous delivery in Santa Monica, California, which is still ongoing.
Riders can hail the robotaxis in “high-traffic and popular destinations along the Las Vegas strip” and will operate during daytime hours initially.
Motional and Uber hope to begin driverless operations in 2023.
Like Motional’s other partnerships, the robotaxi service with Uber will initially be free.
The partnership with Uber tracks onto Motional’s strategy of tapping existing ride-share platforms.
Los Angeles will be Uber and Motional’s second launch city “at a later date,” according to Motional.
Price Action: UBER shares traded lower by 1.62% at $26.48 on the last check Wednesday
Photo: Uber Prototype Autonomous vehicle in SF via Wikimedia Commons