Waymo’s next robotaxi is a purpose-built Toyota bZ4X
Waymo has announced a partnership with Toyota to use the bZ4X electric vehicle for its upcoming robotaxi service in Tokyo. The vehicles will be manufactured with Waymo's autonomous hardware pre-installed, marking a shift toward more efficient, factory-integrated production.
Why it matters
Factory-integrated autonomous systems could significantly reduce costs and improve the scalability of robotaxi fleets globally.
Waymo announced today that when it launches a robotaxi service in Tokyo in 2027, it will use Toyota bZ4X electric vehicles that are assembled in Japan. The news builds on the strategic partnership between Waymo and Toyota which was first announced in April 2025.
The robotaxis will be built entirely under one roof at Toyota’s Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Instead of building regular cars and modifying them later, the factory will install Waymo’s self-driving sensors and computers right on the assembly line as each car is made.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in