Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service Beyond California and Sun Belt

Autonomous driving company Waymo rolls out new Ojai vehicle model with enhanced capabilities.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Waymo, the autonomous driving technology company owned by Alphabet, is expanding its robotaxi operations with the deployment of its next-generation Ojai vehicles. The rollout, currently limited to employees and their guests in February 2026, focuses on the metropolitan areas of San Francisco and Los Angeles, with plans for broader public access later this year.

Why it matters

Waymo's expansion represents a significant step forward for the company as it aims to solidify its position as a leader in the autonomous vehicle market. The introduction of the sixth-generation Waymo Driver system, featuring improved cost-effectiveness and performance in challenging weather conditions, is a key part of Waymo's strategy to scale its operations and make driverless technology more accessible.

The details

The new Ojai robotaxis utilize a base model manufactured by the Chinese automaker Geely, marking a shift in Waymo's sourcing strategy. This move, coupled with the use of more affordable components in the new driver system, suggests a focus on scalability and reducing the financial barriers to widespread deployment. Waymo currently operates a fleet of around 700 vehicles, including Jaguar I-Pace models running on its fifth-generation technology and Hyundai Ioniq 5 SUVs equipped with the new system. The company anticipates scaling production at its Phoenix factory to tens of thousands of vehicles annually.

  • Waymo is currently limited to employees and their guests in February 2026.
  • Waymo plans to expand public access to the Ojai robotaxis later in 2026.

The players

Waymo

An autonomous driving company owned by Alphabet, Google's parent company.

Satish Jeyachandran

Waymo's Vice President of Engineering.

Geely

A Chinese automaker that is providing the base model for Waymo's Ojai robotaxis.

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What they’re saying

“The new system is designed to be a primary engine for our next era of expansion, prioritizing cost-effectiveness and improved performance in challenging weather conditions.”

— Satish Jeyachandran, Vice President of Engineering, Waymo (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

Waymo is preparing to launch its robotaxi services in London later in 2026 and has expressed ambitions to operate in Tokyo and potentially 20 additional cities this year.

The takeaway

Waymo's expansion beyond California and the Sun Belt, coupled with the introduction of its new Ojai robotaxi model, signals the company's commitment to making autonomous driving technology more accessible and scalable. This move could have broader implications for the transportation industry and the ongoing development of physical AI applications.