Waymo And Toyota Plan Japan Tests For Bz4x Robotaxis
Toyota will build bZ4X electric SUVs with Waymo’s self-driving hardware installed at its Japan factory, with testing planned for 2027 and potential deployment in the UK.
Waymo and Toyota plan to begin testing self-driving Toyota bZ4X electric SUVs in Japan in 2027, advancing a partnership first announced in April 2025. Toyota will install Waymo’s sensors and computing equipment as the vehicles are built at its Takaoka plant in Toyota City, rather than adding the hardware after assembly. The companies also intend to use the vehicles in robotaxi operations beyond Japan, including in the United Kingdom.
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Building the vehicles on Toyota’s assembly line
According to The Verge, the Waymo-equipped bZ4X SUVs will be assembled at Toyota’s Takaoka plant in Aichi Prefecture, with the self-driving equipment integrated on the factory line. TechCrunch reports that Toyota will manufacture 2027-model bZ4X vehicles there and install Waymo’s autonomous driving system. The companies have not said how many vehicles they will build or test.
The manufacturing arrangement changes how Waymo has obtained vehicles for its fleet, The Verge reports. Until now, Waymo has taken completed cars to a separate facility to add sensors, computers and wiring. Installing that equipment during production could remove some duplicate work and shipping, and may reduce costs, though no savings have been announced.
Testing plans and launch timing
The outlets differ on when the Toyota vehicles might enter commercial service. The Verge reports that Waymo plans to use the bZ4X when it launches a Tokyo robotaxi service in 2027. Engadget also reports a planned Tokyo service launch next year, but says it is unclear when bZ4X vehicles will join the commercial fleet. TechCrunch describes the Japan service as an eventual goal and says the Toyota vehicles will initially be tested there.
Waymo already has a testing presence in Japan. According to Engadget, it began testing Jaguar I-PACE vehicles there in 2025, with drivers from Tokyo taxi company Nihon Kotsu driving them around the capital to help train Waymo’s software. TechCrunch reports that Waymo has also been testing Jaguar vehicles in London for months and plans to launch a robotaxi service there after receiving the required permits. The Toyota vehicles are intended for the UK and other right-hand-drive markets following the Japan tests, according to Engadget.
What the partnership could cover next
The companies are still exploring uses for their collaboration beyond robotaxis. The Verge and TechCrunch report that they are considering bringing Waymo’s autonomous technology to personally owned Toyota vehicles. The Verge also says Waymo is working with Woven by Toyota to examine how data from Waymo’s operations and safety work could help improve road safety across vehicle fleets and traffic infrastructure.
For now, TechCrunch characterizes the arrangement primarily as a vehicle-supply deal serving Waymo’s regional needs. The broader plans remain exploratory, while testing in Japan is the next stated step for the factory-equipped bZ4X fleet.
Sources
This story was compiled by AI from the reports below. Read the originals for the full details.