Waymo Steadily Advances Past Tesla in the Competition for Robotaxis | Carscoops

      Waymo is set to introduce its vehicles in Denver and Seattle this fall, initially operated by human drivers as part of a testing phase before transitioning to fully autonomous service.

      Waymo is expanding its testing in Denver and Seattle with human-driven vehicles.

      The fleet will feature Jaguar I-PACE SUVs equipped with the fifth-generation Waymo Driver and Zeekr RTs utilizing the sixth-generation system. This testing phase will assist the vehicles in adapting to local traffic, weather, and urban conditions.

      While Tesla is swiftly working to advance its Robotaxi platform, Waymo is making significant strides. The company has announced its plans to deploy its fleet in Denver, Colorado, and Seattle, Washington. Initially, human drivers will operate the vehicles as part of an early testing phase aimed at refining operations and preparing for completely autonomous rides in the future.

      In Denver, residents can expect to see a diverse fleet of Waymo vehicles, including Jaguar I-PACE SUVs with the fifth-generation Waymo Driver and Zeekr RTs fitted with the sixth-generation system. Initially, there will be human drivers at the controls, gathering data to understand the city while Waymo collaborates with state and city officials.

      Local officials have expressed enthusiasm regarding this initiative. Governor Jared Polis remarked, “I’m excited to help Coloradans get where we want to go faster, safer, with additional transportation options.” Mayor Mike Johnston added, “Waymo’s innovative, climate-friendly technology will not only enhance safety on our streets but also contribute to a cleaner environment, and I look forward to my first ride.”

      Simultaneously, Waymo is undertaking a similar process in Seattle, where human drivers will oversee the cars while collecting data on traffic patterns before transitioning to autonomous control in the future. Waymo highlighted that its extensive experience in areas with challenging weather and complex urban environments will be beneficial in both locations.

      This new testing phase in Denver and Seattle is just a small part of Waymo's broader expansion efforts. The company already operates fully autonomous vehicles without human drivers in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta, and is working on extending its services to Miami, Washington, D.C., New York City, and other cities.

      Recently, Waymo announced that it has received approval from the San José Mineta International Airport to begin operations on the airport premises. While Tesla may have more presence in Austin, Texas, this development demonstrates that Waymo remains a leader in the autonomous taxi sector.