UPDATE: Waymo’s highly anticipated robotaxis are set to hit the streets of London within weeks, marking a significant expansion into Europe for the self-driving vehicle company. The announcement comes as Waymo prepares to lay the groundwork for fully autonomous operations, aiming for full service by 2026.
Officials at Waymo confirmed on Wednesday that while human specialists will initially control the vehicles, they are working closely with the UK Department for Transport and Transport for London to secure the necessary permissions for driverless rides. This move positions London as Waymo’s first operational city in Europe, following its expansion into Tokyo last year.
Currently, Waymo operates fully autonomous rides in several U.S. cities, including Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Austin. The company has completed over 100 million autonomous miles and provided more than 10 million paid rides, demonstrating the growing viability of self-driving technology.
Waymo’s expansion is not stopping in London. In recent months, the company has announced plans to introduce its robotaxi services to Nashville, New York, Denver, and Seattle. This rapid growth reflects Waymo’s commitment to accelerating its commercial operations, as outlined in an August 29 blog post.
“We are entering a new chapter and accelerating our commercial expansion,” Waymo stated.
In preparation for its upcoming launches, Waymo is also enhancing its manufacturing capabilities. The company plans to open a new 239,000-square-foot factory in Phoenix, which will allow for the addition of 2,000 all-electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles to its fleet. This facility will also enable the integration of Waymo’s sixth-generation self-driving technology into new vehicles, starting with the upcoming Zeekr RT.
Waymo’s development timeline includes plans to partner with Toyota and Hyundai to integrate its advanced technology into new vehicle models, with testing expected to start by late 2025.
The self-driving service aims to enhance safety and efficiency on the roads. Waymo’s Safety Impact report reveals that its autonomous technology has resulted in 88% fewer serious crashes compared to average human drivers over the same distance.
As Waymo gears up for its London launch, the company is also working on expanding its partnerships, including a significant collaboration with Lyft to enhance ride-hailing options in other cities.
For those eager to experience the robotaxis, here’s how to hail a ride in current operational cities:
In Phoenix, download the Waymo app or use Uber to request a ride. The service is available 24/7. In San Francisco, anyone can now access rides through the Waymo app after the waiting list was lifted. Similarly, in Los Angeles and Austin, Waymo is accessible via the Uber app, allowing users to select a self-driving vehicle without needing a separate app.
Waymo’s ambitious plans for London and beyond signify a critical moment in the evolution of autonomous vehicle technology. As the company continues to navigate regulatory landscapes and public perception, the future of self-driving rides is closer than ever.
Stay tuned for further updates as Waymo prepares to transform urban mobility across the globe.
