Waymo Expands Testing of Autonomous Vehicles to Denver and Seattle
In an exciting development, Waymo has announced the introduction of its Jaguar I-Pace SUV and Zeekr van to the cities of Denver and Seattle this week. This marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing expansion efforts across the United States.
Initially, the vehicles will be operated manually as part of the testing phase before Waymo transitions to testing its autonomous technology in these new locations. The company has expressed its intention to introduce robotaxi services in Denver next year and in the Seattle metropolitan area once regulatory permissions are granted. Denver and Seattle have been chosen as test locations due to their challenging weather conditions, providing Waymo with an opportunity to assess the performance of its technology in adverse weather such as snow, wind, and rain, which are less common in cities like Phoenix.
Waymo’s Growing Presence Across the U.S.
Denver and Seattle now join a growing list of cities where Waymo is actively operating in the United States. With over 2,000 robotaxis in its commercial fleet nationwide, Waymo has a significant presence in key locations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta. The company has also outlined plans to launch commercial robotaxi services in Dallas, Miami, and Washington, D.C., in the coming year. Additionally, Waymo has recently obtained a permit to conduct testing in New York City.
In addition to these major cities, Waymo has also explored opportunities in other locations. The company has conducted “road trips” to cities like Philadelphia and has similar plans for Las Vegas, San Diego, Houston, Orlando, and San Antonio, further expanding its footprint in the autonomous vehicle market.
With these latest developments, Waymo’s commitment to innovation and expansion in the autonomous vehicle industry is evident. The company’s strategic approach to testing its technology in diverse environments and its plans for future service launches indicate its position as a key player in the evolving landscape of transportation technology.