This report summarizes developments in autonomous driving in Japan and overseas from 9 to 22 September. It covers key events including Waymo’s plans to launch commercial driverless ride-hailing in Tokyo, communications technology trials by Japanese companies, and the start of full-scale autonomous bus operations in Tsukuba.
In Japan, Waymo announced plans to launch a commercial driverless ride-hailing service in Tokyo in 2027, advancing the project jointly with Nihon Kotsu and GO. The service is expected to begin with a small number of vehicles and eventually expand to approximately 100 vehicles, with both GO and Waymo expected to provide access to the ride-hailing app. The project will also require validation of the technology and joint operating framework, as well as approval from the relevant authorities.
In Yokohama, Nissan, Moplus and KDDI announced a communications technology trial involving 10 autonomous vehicles. The trial will use Level 2 vehicles with safety drivers and aims to support Level 4 services from 2027 onward. Practical operating design issues include the volume of video communications and the burden on remote monitoring when multiple vehicles are operating.
In Tsukuba City, full-scale autonomous bus operations on the University of Tsukuba route are scheduled to begin on 2 October. Fares will range from ¥190 to ¥310. The service will initially operate at Level 2, with eventual driverless operation as the goal. Key areas of focus include validating the cost and operating framework required for the transition to real-world operations, including stable service, demand response and maintenance costs.
In Europe, Lucid and Bolt announced a partnership targeting the deployment of at least 25,000 vehicles. Bolt’s model assumes vehicle ownership and operation, making the funding burden and changes to the revenue structure key areas of focus going forward. Waymo is working with Allianz Partners to establish the insurance and accident-response infrastructure needed for expansion in Europe; the insurance premiums and revenue impact have not been disclosed.
Einride and Lidl have begun driverless deliveries on public roads in Germany. They are also considering expanding the service to routes covering multiple locations, reflecting a broader effort to turn shippers’ logistics demand into assets for autonomous driving businesses.