Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service to Denver and Seattle with Jaguar I-Pace and Zeekr Vans
Key Points
- Waymo introduces Jaguar I‑Pace SUV and Zeekr van to Denver and Seattle.
- Initial operations will be manually driven, followed by autonomous testing.
- Goal to launch robotaxi trips in Denver next year and in Seattle as soon as permitted.
- Denver and Seattle provide extreme‑weather testing conditions.
- Company now operates over 2,000 robotaxis nationwide.
- Plans for commercial launches in Dallas, Miami and Washington, D.C. next year.
- Recent testing permit obtained for New York City.
- Future road‑trip deployments slated for Las Vegas, San Diego‑Diego, Houston, Orlando and San Antonio.
Waymo announced that it will introduce its Jaguar I-Pace SUV and Zeekr‑made van to Denver and Seattle this week, initially operating the vehicles manually before commencing autonomous testing. The company aims to launch robotaxi trips in Denver next year and in Seattle as soon as regulatory approval is granted. The move adds two extreme‑weather cities to Waym o’s growing U.S. footprint, which already includes more than 2,000 robotaxis nationwide and plans for further commercial launches in Dallas, Miami and Washington, D.C.
Waymo’s Latest Expansion
Waymo disclosed that it will bring both of its current vehicle models—the Jaguar I‑Pace electric SUV and the Zeekr‑manufactured van—to the Denver and Seattle markets starting this week. The rollout will begin with manually driven operations while the company prepares for autonomous testing in each city.
Timeline and Regulatory Outlook
The firm hopes to begin offering robotaxi trips in Denver next year and to start service in Seattle "as soon as we’re permitted to do so," according to the company’s statements. Both cities present challenging weather conditions, giving Waymo an opportunity to evaluate its technology in snow, wind and rain, environments less common in markets such as Phoenix.
Broader U.S. Presence
Denver and Seattle join a rapidly expanding roster of U.S. locations where Waymo operates. The company now fields more than 2,000 robotaxis across the country, with 800 in the San Francisco Bay Area, 500 in Los Angeles, 400 in Phoenix, 100 in Austin, and dozens in Atlanta. Recent permits also allow testing in New York City, and Waymo has announced plans to launch commercial robotaxi services in Dallas, Miami and Washington, D.C. next year.
Strategic Road Trips and Future Targets
Beyond its permanent bases, Waymo has conducted “road trips” to test its fleet in additional markets, and it is planning similar deployments in Las Vegas, San Diego, Houston, Orlando and San Antonio. These exploratory efforts complement the company’s broader strategy of building a nationwide autonomous‑mobility network.
Implications for the Autonomous‑Vehicle Landscape
By adding Denver and Seattle, Waymo not only broadens its geographic coverage but also gathers valuable data on operating autonomous vehicles in harsher climates. The expansion underscores the firm’s confidence in its technology and its ambition to become a leading provider of robotaxi services across diverse U.S. regions.