Waymo plans to add 2,000 more robotaxis in 2026

Waymo, the self-driving unit of Alphabet, is accelerating its robotaxi operations with the final delivery of Jaguar I-Pace SUVs to its Arizona facility. These vehicles will be retrofitted with autonomous technology and join Waymo’s current fleet of 1,500 I-Paces operating in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin. The company aims to expand that fleet to 3,500 vehicles by 2026, marking a significant scale-up in its operations.

This rare disclosure of fleet numbers highlights the company's growing momentum. Waymo now averages 250,000 paid passenger trips per week and is eyeing expansions into Atlanta, Miami, and Washington, DC by 2026.

The Jaguar I-Pace became Waymo’s flagship robotaxi after the Chrysler Pacifica minivan was phased out in 2023. Although Waymo originally projected deploying 20,000 I-Paces, the updated goal now stands at a more modest 3,500. Meanwhile, the company is actively testing two new models: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Zeekr RT, an all-electric minivan developed by Chinese automaker Geely. These models are expected to join the fleet as Waymo prepares for the debut of its sixth-generation autonomous system, the “Waymo Driver,” launching with the Zeekr RT.

Waymo assembles its autonomous vehicles at a 239,000-square-foot facility in Mesa, Arizona, in partnership with Magna International. The plant will continue to evolve, with plans to add automated lines and increase production efficiency. Once fully optimized, the facility could produce tens of thousands of robotaxis annually. Notably, each vehicle is capable of driving itself into service and becoming ride-ready within 30 minutes of completion.

This fleet expansion and manufacturing ramp-up come at a pivotal time, as Tesla prepares to unveil its own robotaxi service in Texas and California. Simultaneously, Waymo is exploring a potential partnership with Toyota to offer autonomous vehicles for personal ownership—hinting at a future where self-driving cars are not just hailed but also personally owned.

With strategic growth across cities, platforms, and partnerships, Waymo is solidifying its position as a frontrunner in the autonomous vehicle race.