Tensor and Munich Taxi Center plan to deploy up to 500 autonomous electric taxis in Germany
Image: Tensor Auto
The American company Tensor Auto and the Munich Taxi Center (MTZ) have signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the use of autonomous electric taxis in Germany. Initially, a fleet of up to 500 so-called Tensor Robocars is planned to operate in German cities under the taxi company’s brand. The agreement is subject to final contracts and the necessary approvals for Level 4 autonomous driving. The partners did not specify a concrete launch date.
The business model involves a separation between vehicle technology and operational taxi services. Tensor is responsible for selling the vehicles and providing the autonomous driving software through a recurring subscription, which the manufacturer refers to as “Autonomous Driving as a Service” (ADaaS). The Munich Taxi Center, on the other hand, handles fleet management and retains control over customer relationships, branding, and operational data according to the partners. Financing for the vehicle fleets is set to come from financial institutions; specific investment amounts and contract terms have not been disclosed.
The fully electric Tensor Robocar was developed, according to the manufacturer, specifically for autonomous driving at SAE Level 4 and is intended for both commercial fleets and private customers. Among the announced features are automatic maintenance checks, cleaning of its own sensors, and protection mechanisms for the sensors during parking. Tensor also mentions an AI-based voice control system that allows passengers, for example, to add stops or change routes.
The existing booking methods are not expected to change for passengers for now. The autonomous vehicles are set to be integrated into the current dispatch and management systems of the Munich Taxi Center, while the company handles daily operations. According to the partners, MTZ will determine where and when the vehicles will be deployed in coordination with the relevant authorities. Gregor Beiner, MTZ’s managing director, continues to emphasize that professional taxi drivers are necessary, especially for trips that require personal care or assistance.
Beyond Germany, the companies have further expansion plans. Within 24 months of the Robocar becoming available in Europe, they aim to deploy an additional 10,000 vehicles with European taxi and fleet operators. One potential distribution channel is the Taxis 4 Smart Mobility network, which includes taxi organizations from six European countries and whose chairman is MTZ CEO Beiner. The partners also intend to explore the possibility of selling Robocars to private customers in Germany.
"The taxi industry plays a leading role in introducing sustainable autonomous driving in Europe. Together with Tensor, MTZ will bring autonomous vehicles to the streets of Munich under its own brand — with the service quality and data control that our customers rely on," said Gregor Beiner, CEO of the Munich Taxi Center. "At the same time, our professional drivers remain indispensable: wherever personal service, support, or a human touch is needed, they make the difference."
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About the author
Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with professional experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.
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