Toyota and Waymo plan bZ4X robotaxi testing in Japan

Technology · First reported 30 Oct, 07:01 · Updated 07:15

Image: Wikimedia Commons · Ysherazi · CC BY-SA 4.0

Toyota and Waymo say they plan to begin testing autonomous bZ4X electric vehicles in Japan in 2027, with Toyota manufacturing the vehicles and Waymo integrating its self-driving technology. The companies also identify the U.K. and other right-hand-drive markets as potential destinations, while the timing of any bZ4X commercial service is not specified.

The companies plan to start testing autonomous Toyota bZ4X vehicles in Japan in 2027.
Toyota is to manufacture the vehicles at its Takaoka plant in Japan, where Waymo’s self-driving system or hardware will be integrated.
The companies say they intend to expand the vehicles to the U.K. and other right-hand-drive markets after Japan.
Waymo’s existing Japan efforts include testing Jaguar I-PACE vehicles; Engadget reports that the company plans to launch a fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Tokyo next year.
The companies also say they will explore applying Waymo technology to privately owned Toyota vehicles and examining how vehicle and traffic-infrastructure integration could improve road safety.