WeRide Uber Secure Spain’s First Level 4 AV Permit

WeRide, Uber Technologies, Inc., and AVOMO, working with the Regional Government of Madrid, have received Spain’s first national permit for Level 4 autonomous passenger vehicles to operate on public roads within the ES-AV framework. The authorization represents a significant regulatory step for autonomous mobility in Spain and establishes the basis for deployment preparations. The companies can now move forward with activities required before passenger service begins, including mapping, route validation, and operational readiness testing. The development also marks the planned market entry of WeRide and Uber Technologies into Spain as part of their broader autonomous vehicle partnership.

Spain Grants First National Level 4 Autonomous Vehicle Permit

The national permit enables WeRide, Uber, and AVOMO to prepare for operating Level 4 autonomous passenger vehicles on public roads in Spain. Within the ES-AV framework, the authorization provides a regulatory foundation for the initial deployment phase while the companies complete the operational requirements associated with public-road service. The permit does not represent the completion of all milestones required for commercial operations, but it allows critical preparation work to begin. These activities include mapping planned operating areas, validating routes, and conducting operational readiness testing. The Regional Government of Madrid is participating in the initiative as the collaboration advances autonomous passenger mobility in the region.

Initial Deployment Will Include Twenty Autonomous Vehicles

The first deployment phase is planned to involve twenty vehicles equipped with WeRide’s latest autonomous driving technology. The vehicles will support preparation and testing activities as the companies work toward operational readiness for public-road service. This initial fleet provides a defined starting point for the deployment before the partnership potentially expands its presence in Spain. The companies have stated that their broader global partnership includes plans to deploy tens of thousands of autonomous vehicles on public roads. The Spanish program therefore represents an initial step within a much larger deployment strategy involving Spain and other markets covered by the partnership.

Commercial Autonomous Operations Target Late 2026

Commercial operations in Spain are expected to begin by the end of 2026, subject to completion of the necessary operational and regulatory milestones. The newly issued permit allows deployment preparation to proceed, but the planned launch remains dependent on satisfying those remaining requirements. WeRide and Uber’s entry would also make Spain the location of their first planned autonomous vehicle deployment in Europe. The companies will therefore need to translate the initial authorization and testing activities into an operational service that can meet applicable requirements for public-road autonomous passenger transportation. AVOMO is part of the deployment effort alongside WeRide and Uber Technologies.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The permit gives autonomous mobility development in Spain a concrete regulatory pathway and could accelerate the transition from preparation and validation toward commercial passenger service. For WeRide and Uber, completing the remaining operational and regulatory milestones will be central to achieving the targeted end-of-2026 launch, while the initial twenty-vehicle deployment provides the foundation for that process. The development is particularly relevant to the European autonomous driving market because it represents the first planned deployment by the two companies in Europe. If preparations progress as planned, the Spanish program could become an important reference point for their broader autonomous vehicle deployment strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permit did WeRide and Uber receive in Spain?
WeRide and Uber received Spain’s first national permit for Level 4 autonomous passenger vehicles to operate on public roads within the ES-AV framework. The authorization allows WeRide, Uber, and AVOMO to begin deployment preparation activities, including mapping, route validation, and operational readiness testing. The permit supports the initial phase of the Spanish autonomous vehicle program, but commercial operations remain subject to completion of additional operational and regulatory milestones. The companies expect commercial service in Spain to begin by the end of 2026 after those requirements are completed.