Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Waymo Begins Manual Road Tests in Denver and Seattle as It Prepares Robotaxi Expansion

The initial phase focuses on manual drives to validate winter-ready systems before seeking approvals for driverless rides.

Overview

  • Vehicles will begin rolling out this week with Waymo employees at the wheel operating steering and braking during the exploratory phase.
  • Each city will start with about a dozen electric cars drawn from a mixed fleet of Jaguar I‑Pace SUVs and Zeekr RT vans.
  • Waymo says these cars use fifth‑ and sixth‑generation Driver technology designed to perform in snow, heavy rain and strong winds.
  • Public service in Denver is expected next year, while Seattle timing depends on validation milestones and local permissions.
  • Waymo says it is coordinating with local and state officials, community partners and first responders, as it extends a commercial fleet now exceeding 2,000 vehicles in other U.S. markets.