Waymo’s Next Driverless Taxi Is A Factory-Built Toyota bZ

Waymo will be getting bZ with its self-driving fleet

Toyota/YouTube

Toyota has presented a heavily modified version of the bZ electric crossover, designed to serve as an autonomous driving taxi for Waymo. Operation of the driverless fleet will start in 2027 in Japan, followed by the UK and other Waymo-serviced markets in the coming years. Furthermore, Toyota continues to explore the implementation of Waymo-sourced technology on future models.

The collaboration between Toyota and Waymo was originally announced last year, but the companies have now shared more information about their plans. The highlight is the special version of the Japanese-spec facelifted Toyota bZ4X, which is sold as the bZ in North America.

The EV is fitted with multiple Waymo sensors mounted on the roof, front bumper, front fenders, rear bumper, tailgate, and rear spoiler. The rest of the bodywork is carried over from the standard bZ4X, with a plain white shade and Waymo lettering on the doors.

Besides the exterior hardware, the ride-hailing bZs will also undergo interior modifications. Toyota added automatic doors, a power liftgate, and ambient lighting, while promising ample rear legroom.

Produced under a single roof

Toyota/YouTube

Existing Waymo vehicles typically undergo sensor and computer integration after rolling off standard factory floors. However, Toyota will assemble the new bZ robotaxi and install Waymo’s Level 4 autonomous hardware in its Takaoka plant in Japan.

The automaker didn’t get into details about the specifications of the autonomous EV. The production model rides on the e-TNGA architecture and is available with single and dual electric motors producing up to 214 hp (160 kW / 217 PS). The 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is good for a WLTP range of up to 314 miles (505 km), although the EPA figure is 252 miles (406 km).

We will learn more about the EV when it starts rolling out in Japan next year. It remains to be seen if the Toyota robotaxis will reach US states like Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, potentially replacing Waymo’s custom Jaguar I-Pace SUVs that have been around since 2018.

Finally, the companies confirmed they are actively researching ways to incorporate Waymo’s self-driving tech into personally owned Toyota vehicles, while teaming up with Toyota’s software arm, Woven by Toyota, to leverage real-world operational data with the goal of improving road safety.

Source: www.carscoops.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.