Toyota, Waymo to test autonomous bZ4Xs in Japan in 2027, eye overseas expansion
TM•Toyota and Waymo plan to begin testing autonomous bZ4X electric vehicles in Japan in 2027, with Britain and potentially other markets in subsequent years.
1. Japan tests planned
Toyota and Waymo said they will begin testing autonomous bZ4X electric vehicles in Japan in 2027. Waymo co-CEO Dmitri Dolgov said the partnership aims to use the bZ4X to expand its autonomous-driving technology into large-scale commercial operations.
2. Overseas plans
The companies plan to start in right-hand-drive markets in Japan and the UK, Dolgov said, but have not shared timelines or specifics for other countries. Toyota CTO Hiroki Nakajima said the automaker wants to gain experience in Japan before pursuing broader opportunities.
3. Production and deployment
Toyota will build the vehicles at its Takaoka plant in central Japan, where Waymo hardware will be installed. Initial operations will involve a small number of vehicles, and the companies did not disclose how many they would deploy or where. Waymo also plans a 2027 pilot in Japan using Jaguar I-PACE vehicles.
