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Waymo wins California approval to expand robotaxis across 18 counties
Electrek • • business
Key Points:
- California regulators have approved Waymo's largest robotaxi service expansion, allowing fully driverless rides across 18 counties from Sonoma to San Diego, including new markets in Sacramento and San Diego.
- The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approval covers diverse operating conditions such as all speed limits, various road types, day and night, and adverse weather except widespread snow or ice.
- Waymo's robotaxi fleet has completed over 20 million trips and aims to provide 1 million rides weekly by the end of 2024, significantly outpacing Tesla, which currently operates with safety drivers and holds only a charter-party carrier permit.
- The expansion will be gradual and safety-focused, with Waymo emphasizing a cautious rollout involving infrastructure like depots, charging, and mapping before full deployment.
- This regulatory milestone highlights Waymo’s methodical approach to autonomous driving, contrasting with Tesla’s slower, less transparent progress in the robotaxi sector.
