Summary: I recently had the chance to ride in one of Wayve’s autonomous vehicles in north London, experiencing firsthand how self-driving technology is adapting to the city’s unique challenges. While the ride was more cautious than expected, the car handled complex urban scenarios with a human-like approach, signaling a promising future for robotaxis in the UK.
A Surprising Ride in a London Robotaxi
I never really believed self-driving cars would make it to the UK, so imagine my surprise when I found myself climbing into one of Wayve’s autonomous vehicles for a journey around north London a few weeks ago. The robotaxi felt surprisingly human—cautious but capable—and it even safely avoided a blind man who unexpectedly stepped into the road.
Why London Is Tough for Self-Driving Cars
London’s streets are a nightmare for robotaxis. Narrow, winding roads designed centuries ago for horses and carts now have to accommodate a chaotic mix of vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, and even the occasional rogue military horse. Add unpredictable weather, roundabouts, and the city’s notorious traffic, and you have a real challenge for autonomous technology.
Beyond the physical challenges, Londoners themselves are skeptical about AI in cars. Past hype and failures have left many wary, and the city’s iconic black cab drivers remain dismissive, calling driverless cars “a fairground ride” or “a tourist attraction in San Francisco.”
Wayve’s Unique Approach to Autonomy
Wayve, founded in 2017 and based in a modest warehouse near King’s Cross, takes a different approach from other companies like Waymo. Instead of relying heavily on detailed maps and rigid rules, Wayve uses an end-to-end AI model that drives more like a human, adapting fluidly to new environments. This means their cars can potentially navigate unfamiliar cities without needing extensive pre-mapping.
The fleet, consisting of Ford Mustang Mach-Es, looks almost ordinary except for a small sensor box atop the windshield. Inside, the only giveaway that the car was driving itself was a big red emergency stop button and a shrill buzzer indicating when autonomy was engaged.
Experiencing the Ride: Hesitant but Human-Like
The ride wasn’t perfectly smooth—it was more hesitant than I expected, reminiscent of a new driver’s cautiousness. The car slowed for cyclists, navigated around delivery vehicles, and respected pedestrian crossings, even when pedestrians treated them more like suggestions. It handled tricky situations like roadworks, learner drivers, and groups of cyclists with care.
One particularly memorable moment was when a blind man with a cane stepped out between parked cars. The car slowed and adjusted its course before I even had time to react. This human-like caution is intentional; Wayve prioritizes safety and adaptability over speed and aggression.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Robotaxis in London
Wayve plans to begin trialing Level 4 fully autonomous robotaxis in London as soon as 2026, in partnership with Uber, aligning with government efforts to fast-track self-driving pilots. The company is also testing its technology worldwide, including in the Scottish Highlands and 500 unfamiliar cities, aiming for a global rollout.
By the end of my ride, I realized I had stopped wondering who was driving. The experience was less sci-fi and more human—imperfect but promising. Perhaps that’s exactly what self-driving cars in London need to be.
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