Waymo plans to launch fully autonomous taxi service in London next year

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company, plans to launch a fully driverless taxi service in London, UK, in 2026, marking its first major expansion outside the US. Waymo has partnered with Moove, a mobility company, to operate its fleet in the UK. The launch will coincide with the implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, which will regulate the arrival of self-driving vehicles in the UK. London's complex road network and narrow streets will present a challenge for Waymo's robotaxis, but the company claims its technology significantly reduces the risk of collisions compared to human-driven cars. The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has welcomed the introduction of self-driving taxis as an important step towards autonomous travel. Waymo already has a presence in the UK, with engineering hubs in London and Oxford, and a partnership with Jaguar Land Rover to equip their electric I-Pace taxis with Waymo's self-driving technology in the US. However, Waymo will face competition from Uber and Wayve, which are also planning to launch their own autonomous vehicle pilots in London around the same time.