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TechCrunch
TechCrunch
3w ago 8 views

Waymo plans to launch a robotaxi service in London in 2026

Waymo announced plans to launch a commercial robotaxi service in London by 2026, expanding its international presence. This matters as it signifies a major step in autonomous vehicle deployment in urban areas.
Waymo plans to launch a robotaxi service in London in 2026
A What happened
Waymo has announced its intention to launch a commercial robotaxi service in London by 2026, marking its second international expansion after Tokyo. The company, which has been ramping up its testing and operations in various U.S. cities, will begin with human safety drivers in its all-electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles before moving to fully autonomous operations. This initiative is part of Waymo's broader strategy to establish a presence in multiple markets, including plans for services in Miami, Nashville, and Washington DC. The company has partnered with Moove to manage fleet operations in London, similar to its existing partnerships in cities like Phoenix and San Francisco. The timeline for the launch will depend on the U.K. government's approval process.

Key insights

  • 1

    International Expansion

    Waymo's entry into London follows its expansion into Tokyo.

  • 2

    Partnerships for Operations

    Waymo collaborates with Moove for fleet management in London.

  • 3

    Transition to Autonomy

    The service will start with human drivers before going fully autonomous.

Takeaways

Waymo's planned robotaxi service in London represents a significant advancement in the deployment of autonomous vehicles in urban environments, reflecting the company's commitment to expanding its global footprint.