Illustration: AI
Toyota will build bZ4X electric crossovers equipped with Waymo’s autonomous driving system for robotaxi services in Tokyo (theverge.com). Sensors and computers will be installed directly on the factory assembly line. The Verge estimates that this approach could reduce Waymo’s vehicle preparation costs.
How robotaxi assembly will change
The vehicles will be built at the Takaoka plant in the city of Toyota, in Japan’s Aichi prefecture. Vehicle production and the installation of Waymo equipment will take place under one roof. The project builds on the strategic partnership the companies announced in April 2025.
Until now, Waymo has bought finished vehicles and transported them to a separate facility. There, the cars were retrofitted with sensors, computers and wiring. Toyota will now install Waymo’s sensors and computing hardware as each bZ4X is assembled.
How Waymo could cut costs
The Verge estimates that installing the equipment at the factory could eliminate duplicate work, custom mounts and additional vehicle transport. These are potential sources of savings in preparing vehicles for Waymo’s fleet. The publication does not give a figure for the potential cost reduction.
The new approach changes how Waymo gets vehicles ready for service. Previously, cars had to be transported to another facility between production and installation of the autonomous driving system. For the bZ4X, these production stages will be brought together at Toyota’s plant.
Why Waymo needs another model
Waymo currently uses two models: the Jaguar I-Pace and the Ojai, based on the Zeekr RT. A vehicle based on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is set to join them. The Toyota bZ4X will add to this range of vehicles equipped with the autonomous driving system.
By adding a new model, Waymo aims to demonstrate that its technology works with different types of vehicles. The company positions itself as a supplier of software and hardware called the Waymo Driver. Partnerships with carmakers allow the system to be installed in their vehicles.
Where the new vehicles are expected to operate
The company plans to carry out initial testing and validation of the Waymo-equipped bZ4X in Japan. The new vehicles are then intended for robotaxi services in the UK and other international markets. Tokyo is also among the announced locations for a service launch.
The next announced step in the project is to test the new vehicles in Japan. Waymo then plans to introduce the Toyota bZ4X to international robotaxi markets.
