Overview
- Waymo began supervised mapping drives in Detroit this week as the first step toward local robotaxi service.
- The rollout will use a mixed fleet of all‑electric Jaguar I‑PACE vehicles with the 5th‑gen Waymo Driver and Zeekr RT vehicles with the 6th‑gen system designed for tougher weather and lower costs.
- Commercial driverless operations in Nevada and Michigan still require state approvals, including a Transportation Network Company permit in Michigan and testing and commercial clearances in Nevada.
- Waymo targets openings across the three cities in 2026, with Las Vegas rides planned for next summer subject to permits and San Diego service focused on central neighborhoods after testing.
- Federal oversight is increasing as NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation into potential school‑bus stopping behavior involving an estimated 2,000 5th‑gen Waymo vehicles.