Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 6 hrs ago
Toyota and Waymo plan Japan robotaxi service for 2027
Toyota and Waymo plan to start a self-driving taxi service in Japan in 2027 using Toyota bZ4X electric vehicles.
Toyota will work with the US company Waymo, which is part of Alphabet, on the vehicles and service.
The cars will be fitted with Waymo’s driving system at Toyota’s Takaoka plant in Aichi Prefecture.
The service is intended to use Level 4 automation, which allows a vehicle to drive itself under specific conditions.
The companies say wider use could help reduce crashes caused by human driving errors and give people who have difficulty getting around more freedom to travel.
They plan to test the service in Japan before expanding to other markets, including the UK; the launch areas and number of vehicles in Japan have not yet been announced.
Toyota and Waymo plan to begin operating an autonomous taxi service in Japan in 2027.
The service will use Toyota bZ4X electric vehicles fitted with Waymo’s autonomous driving system.
The system will be installed at Toyota’s Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture.
The companies say they will consider expanding the service to places where Waymo operates, including the United Kingdom.
They aim to reduce crashes caused by human driving errors and improve mobility for people who face travel difficulties.
- Who
- Toyota and Waymo, with Toyota software subsidiary Woven by Toyota also participating.
- What
- They plan to launch an autonomous taxi service in Japan using Toyota bZ4X electric vehicles equipped with Waymo’s system.
- When
- The service is planned to start in 2027.
- Where
- Japan; Waymo’s system will be installed at Toyota’s Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture.
- Why
- The companies aim to reduce crashes caused by human driving errors and provide more mobility for people who face travel difficulties.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Toyota and Waymo reached a basic agreement on a strategic partnership to develop and spread autonomous driving technology.
Toyota and Waymo announced plans to begin an autonomous taxi service in Japan in 2027.
The companies plan to start the service in Japan.
- Planned launch
- 2027
- Vehicle
- Toyota bZ4X electric vehicle
- System installation site
- Takaoka plant, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
- Expansion plans
- The United Kingdom and other areas where Waymo operates
- Partnership agreement
- April 2025
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What people are saying
We are beginning to validate vehicles capable of ride-hailing services with Level 4 autonomous driving, which enables fully autonomous driving under specific conditions. We will work on this project in Japan over the long term.
Safety technology can contribute to society only when it is widely adopted. We want to deliver freedom of mobility to customers in many regions. We will lead the way toward a safe transportation society with autonomous driving technology.