Waymo and Toyota to Test bZ4X Robotaxis in Japan in 2027

Waymo and Toyota are expanding their partnership in the robotaxi sector. The companies will test bZ4X electric vehicles in Japan in 2027. The parties signed the initial agreement in April 2025. The new vehicle fleet will initially operate in Japan. In subsequent years, the models are planned for launch in the United Kingdom and other markets where right-hand-drive vehicles are used.

Toyota will manufacture the vehicles at its Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. The company will install Waymo's self-driving system at the Takaoka plant. The bZ4X is Toyota's first electric vehicle designed for a broad customer base. The model is built on the e-TNGA platform developed jointly with Subaru.

The parties aim to increase the number of Level 4 vehicles by combining Toyota's manufacturing expertise with Waymo's fully autonomous driving technology. A Level 4 system can operate without driver intervention in certain areas and conditions. The partnership may eventually also include Toyota vehicles sold for personal use. The companies will explore ways to improve safety based on data collected from road infrastructure and real-world trips.

Waymo began testing Jaguar I-PACE robotaxis in Japan in 2025. Drivers from the Nihon Kotsu Co. taxi company drove the vehicles on Tokyo's streets to train the self-driving software. Once preparations are complete, Waymo plans to launch a driverless passenger transportation service in Tokyo in 2027. It has not yet been announced when the bZ4X models will join the commercial vehicle fleet.

Waymo has also been testing Jaguar I-PACE autonomous vehicles in the United Kingdom for several months. After obtaining the necessary permits, the company wants to launch a robotaxi service in London. The agreement with Toyota will help supply electric vehicles suited to this market. The same model may eventually be launched in other countries where right-hand-drive vehicles are used.