Waymo to Test Autonomous Vehicles in Tokyo by Early 2025

Alphabet's Waymo, the developer of autonomous vehicles, has announced plans to begin testing its self-driving cars in Tokyo in early 2025. This represents the company's first step towards international expansion.

The company has not yet confirmed plans to launch commercial services in Tokyo. However, Waymo will start testing Jaguar I-PACE vehicles on Tokyo roads in collaboration with Japan's largest taxi operator, Nihon Kotsu, and the taxi app GO.

Initially, Nihon Kotsu drivers will manually operate Waymo vehicles to map key areas of Tokyo, including Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chūō, Shinagawa, and Kōtō. The data collected from these human-driven test rides will be used to train Waymo's AI systems. Additionally, Waymo will test its robotaxis in the U.S. on a closed track designed to simulate driving conditions in Japan.

The first phase of this partnership, which is expected to last several quarters, was announced by Waymo to CNBC. The company also expressed its intention to maintain a long-term presence in Japan.

Waymo stated: "The upcoming journey to Tokyo provides us an opportunity to understand the new environment by working alongside local partners, government officials, and community groups. We will learn how Waymo can serve the residents of Tokyo and become a beneficial part of the city's transportation ecosystem."

According to companies, Nihon Kotsu will be responsible for the management and maintenance of Waymo's vehicles in Japan.

Waymo has announced plans for a series of expansions across the U.S. in 2024. Earlier this month, the company revealed plans to conduct new tests in Miami in 2025. It launched a driverless passenger service across Los Angeles in November and announced planned expansions to Austin and Atlanta in partnership with Uber in September.

This initiative in Japan represents Waymo's first entry into a market with left-hand traffic.