Waymo and Toyota Partner for bZ4X Robotaxis in Tokyo
Waymo has announced that its next robotaxi will be a purpose-built Toyota bZ4X electric vehicle, expanding on a strategic partnership to bring autonomous services to international markets.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
A New Chapter for Waymo and Toyota
Waymo announced today that it will introduce a purpose-built robotaxi utilizing Toyota bZ4X electric vehicles for an upcoming service in Tokyo. The development builds directly upon the strategic partnership between Waymo and Toyota which was first announced in April 2025.
Under the plans, the autonomous vehicles will be deployed for a robotaxi service in Tokyo starting in 2027 before eventually expanding operations to the United Kingdom and other international markets. Initial testing and validation in Japan are scheduled to begin next year.
Factory-Built Autonomous Vehicles
The upcoming robotaxis will be manufactured entirely under one roof at Toyota’s Takaoka plant located in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Rather than assembling a standard vehicle and modifying it later at a separate facility, Toyota will install Waymo’s self-driving sensors and computing systems directly on the factory line.
This streamlined production approach represents a major operational shift for Waymo. Historically, the autonomous driving company procured finished cars, shipped them to secondary facilities, and retrofitted them with necessary sensors, wiring, and computer hardware. Building the sensor suite and compute package directly into the Toyota bZ4X during primary assembly aims to reduce redundant labor, eliminate bespoke brackets, remove secondary shipping steps, and potentially lower overall production costs.
Expanding Fleet Compatibility
By adding the Toyota bZ4X to its deployment roadmap, Waymo continues to demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of its autonomous driving technology. The company currently utilizes multiple vehicle platforms in its fleet, including the Jaguar I-Pace and an Ojai based on the Zeekr RT, alongside an upcoming model built on the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Waymo has consistently positioned itself as a software and systems supplier known as the 'Waymo Driver' rather than functioning as a traditional automaker. Integrating its autonomous hardware and software stack into the popular Toyota bZ4X platform further validates that its core driver system can interface seamlessly with diverse vehicle types.
Broader Industry Collaboration
Beyond the commercial robotaxi fleets planned for Tokyo and the UK, Waymo and Toyota are exploring additional avenues for cooperation. The companies are looking into integrating Waymo’s autonomous technology into personally owned vehicles in the future.
Additionally, Waymo is collaborating closely with Woven by Toyota, the automotive giant's software and mobility spinout division. This joint effort involves leveraging Waymo's operational and safety telemetry data to enhance overall road safety standards across general vehicle fleets and broader traffic infrastructure networks.
Sources
- The VergeWaymo’s next robotaxi is a purpose-built Toyota bZ4X
Continue chronologically
Related stories
Waymo Taps Toyota for Robotaxis in Japan and the U.K.
Waymo partners with Toyota to supply electric bZ4X vehicles for upcoming robotaxi operations and testing in Japan and the U.K.
Waymo and Toyota to Start Testing bZ4X Robotaxis in Japan
Waymo and Toyota will begin testing autonomous bZ4X electric vehicles in Japan, with plans to expand into the UK and other right-hand drive markets.
A New AV Boom Emerges as Startups Embrace AI
The autonomous vehicle industry is experiencing a second, larger wave of growth fueled by artificial intelligence, foundational models, and new startups.
California to Fine Robotaxi Firms for Blocking First Responders
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a law penalizing robotaxi companies if their autonomous vehicles block first responders.
