Waymo and Toyota plan Japan robotaxi tests in 2027
The companies intend to deploy autonomous bZ4X vehicles in the UK and other right-hand-drive markets after Japan.
Toyota and Waymo have announced plans to begin testing a fleet of self-driving Toyota bZ4X electric vehicles in Japan in 2027. The companies intend to expand deployment to the UK and other right-hand-drive markets in subsequent years.
Toyota will build the vehicles at its Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, where they will also be fitted with Waymo's autonomous-driving hardware. The bZ4X uses the e-TNGA platform, which Toyota developed with Subaru. The partners reached a preliminary robotaxi agreement in April 2025.
The new fleet will operate alongside other Waymo vehicles in Japan. Waymo began tests there with Jaguar I-PACE robotaxis in 2025, using drivers employed by Tokyo taxi operator Nihon Kotsu Co. to drive through the capital and help train its software.
Waymo will also introduce a fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Tokyo following that testing. The timing for adding the bZ4X to its commercial fleet remains unclear.
