Toyota is set to transform its bZ electric crossover into a fully autonomous robotaxi for Waymo, with production beginning in Japan. The collaboration will see Toyota’s bZ EVs equipped with Waymo’s self-driving technology, targeting right-hand drive markets first.
Toyota and Waymo Deepen Partnership
Toyota will manufacture driverless versions of its bZ electric crossover at the Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. These vehicles will be fitted with Waymo’s autonomous driving hardware directly on the same assembly line as the standard bZ model.
The first batch of these custom-built EVs is scheduled for initial testing and validation in 2027. The move follows a partnership agreement signed between Toyota and Waymo in April 2025 to develop a new autonomous vehicle platform and integrate Waymo’s technology into Toyota’s next-generation passenger vehicles.
Launch Plans and Market Rollout
The rollout will begin in Japan, where the vehicle is known as the bZ4X, before expanding to the United Kingdom and other right-hand drive markets. Dmitri Dolgov, co-CEO of Waymo, stated, “We’ll start with the right-hand drive markets in Japan and the UK,” and added, “I think the vision and the strategic partnership is to extend that beyond that, but we don’t have any other countries or timelines or specifics to share.”
The robotaxi will feature factory-installed amenities such as automatic doors, a power liftgate, and ambient lighting to enhance passenger comfort. Toyota described this as a major milestone for Japan’s first fully autonomous ride-hailing service using mainstream, locally manufactured vehicles.
Waymo’s Global Autonomous Fleet
Waymo currently operates self-driving Jaguar I-Pace crossovers and Zeekr-made Ojai minivans in other markets, with manufacturing based in Mesa, Arizona. In Tokyo, Waymo has a small fleet of left-hand drive Jaguar I-Pace EVs, but these still require a safety operator behind the wheel. The first fully unmanned commercial rollout in Japan is scheduled for 2027.
Statements from Toyota and Waymo
Dmitri Dolgov, co-CEO of Waymo, commented, “We chose Toyota because of our respect for the legendary safety, reliability, and quality of their vehicles, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration as we scale our fully autonomous Waymo Driver technology globally.”
Hiroki Nakajima, Member of the Board and Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation, said, “We share a strong sense of purpose and a common vision with Waymo in advancing safety through automated driving technology, and we are confident this collaboration can help bring our solutions to more people around the world, moving us one step closer to a zero-accident society.” Nakajima added, “Our companies are taking an important step toward a future with greater safety and peace of mind for all.”
Why this matters
This collaboration marks a significant step in bringing fully autonomous ride-hailing services to mainstream markets using locally manufactured vehicles. By leveraging Toyota’s production capabilities and Waymo’s autonomous technology, the partnership aims to advance safety and accessibility in urban mobility.
The project also signals growing momentum for autonomous vehicle deployment beyond pilot programs, with a focus on right-hand drive markets such as Japan and the UK.
What this means for buyers
For consumers, the introduction of Toyota-built Waymo robotaxis could mean greater access to autonomous ride-hailing services in the coming years, especially in Japan and the UK. Those interested in autonomous mobility should watch for further announcements regarding rollout timelines and service availability in their regions.
Key Specs
- Base Model: Toyota bZ EV (bZ4X in Japan)
- Production Location: Takaoka plant, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
- Autonomous Hardware: Waymo Driver self-driving system
- Initial Testing: Scheduled for 2027
- Target Markets: Japan, United Kingdom (right-hand drive markets)
- Factory Features: Automatic doors, power liftgate, ambient lighting
- Commercial Rollout: Unmanned service planned for 2027
Images sourced from: motortrend.com, motorweek.org, businessinsider.com
