Waymo to put Toyota bZ4X robotaxis on Japanese roads in 2027

Waymo is adding the Toyota bZ4X to its robotaxi fleet. The Google-owned autonomous driving company and the Japanese carmaker announced the move on 30 October, saying the electric SUV will begin operational tests in Japan in 2027.

The bZ4X becomes the fourth vehicle model to join Waymo's fleet of self-driving taxis. The announcement shows the company widening the range of vehicles that can carry its autonomous driving system, rather than relying on a single platform.

Beyond Japan

Japan will be the first market for the new vehicle, but it will not be the only one. According to the two companies, the plan is also to deploy the bZ4X in the United Kingdom and in other countries over the coming years. No further dates or locations were given in the announcement.

The timeline is long: the first tests are still about a year away, and commercial service has not been scheduled. Details such as fleet size, cities and pricing have not been disclosed.

Why it matters

For Waymo, working with one of the world's largest carmakers gives it a route to new vehicles and new regulatory environments, notably in Japan and the UK. For Toyota, the partnership places its electric SUV in the fast-growing field of driverless ride-hailing.

The announcement also signals that robotaxi operators are looking for more diverse, mass-produced electric vehicles as they prepare to expand internationally. What remains to be seen is how quickly the 2027 tests in Japan will translate into public service, and which other countries will follow after the UK.