Waymo and Toyota to Build Purpose-Made Robotaxis in Japan for 2027 Tokyo Launch

Waymo announced in October 2026 that it will use Toyota bZ4X electric vehicles as its next robotaxi platform, with the vehicles assembled at Toyota’s Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The service is set to launch in Tokyo in 2027.

The announcement builds on a strategic partnership between Waymo and Toyota first announced in April 2025. Unlike Waymo’s current approach — purchasing finished vehicles and retrofitting them with sensors and computers at a separate facility — the bZ4X robotaxis will have Waymo’s self-driving hardware integrated directly on Toyota’s assembly line. This could eliminate redundant labor, bespoke brackets, and secondary shipping, and may help bring down costs for Waymo.

Waymo currently operates two vehicle models: the Jaguar I-Pace and the Zeekr RT. A third model based on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is set to deploy soon. Adding the bZ4X to its fleet is part of Waymo’s effort to demonstrate that its autonomous driving technology — marketed as the “Waymo Driver” — is compatible with a wide range of vehicle types. The company positions itself as a software and systems supplier rather than an automaker.

Waymo says initial testing and validation in Japan will begin in 2027, ahead of the Tokyo service launch. Following that, the vehicles are expected to roll out to the United Kingdom and other international markets for robotaxi operations.

The companies are also exploring integration of Waymo’s technology into personally owned Toyota vehicles. Additionally, Waymo is working with Woven by Toyota — the automaker’s software and mobility spinout — to apply Waymo’s operational and safety telemetry toward improving road safety across general vehicle fleets and traffic infrastructure.