Waymo has selected Toyota's bZ4X as the platform for a new robotaxi and plans to begin testing in Japan in 2027.
Waymo and Toyota will adopt Toyota's bZ4X as a dedicated robotaxi platform as part of the partnership they announced in April 2025. Waymo's autonomous-driving hardware is expected to be integrated without modifications after the vehicles are produced, and a robotaxi-specific version will be produced at the Takaoka Plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture.
The robotaxi version of the bZ4X will feature modifications to improve comfort, including increased rear-seat legroom, automatic doors, a power tailgate and ambient cabin lighting.
Details such as the number of vehicles and sensor specifications have not yet been disclosed, but preparations are under way for a fleet to begin operations in the Japanese market in 2027. Expansion into other markets, including the UK, is also planned, with a specific schedule to be announced in due course.
As Waymo prepares to expand in Japan, it is reportedly targeting a fleet deployment of approximately 100 vehicles, while also planning to continue jointly developing autonomous-driving technology for Toyota's consumer vehicles.