Waymo, Alphabet Inc.’s autonomous vehicle unit, announced plans to bring its self-driving robotaxi service to Miami, with testing set to begin in 2025 and public rides available in 2026. The company’s electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles will initially operate with human safety drivers before transitioning to full autonomy through the Waymo One app.
The decision reflects Waymo’s confidence in managing adverse weather conditions, a challenge the company studied during tests in Miami in 2019. “We deepened our learning and understanding of the Waymo Driver’s performance in adverse weather conditions,” a Waymo spokesperson said. Miami’s tropical climate and sprawling metropolitan area, home to over six million residents, present a significant test for Waymo’s capabilities.
Miami, are you ready? 🌴 Through our fleet partnership with @Moove_io we’ll work to open our doors to Miami riders in 2026, offering a safe and accessible EV transportation option. https://t.co/jisF6xJz5d pic.twitter.com/gS7jnUHzo4
— Waymo (@Waymo) December 5, 2024
Waymo also revealed a partnership with mobility company Moove to oversee fleet operations, including charging infrastructure, in Miami and Phoenix starting in early 2025. This partnership builds on Waymo’s ongoing expansion efforts, supported by a $5.6 billion funding round in October. The company’s robotaxi services currently handle over 150,000 weekly rides across San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.
As Waymo scales operations, competitors are making moves in the autonomous vehicle market. General Motors’ Cruise is aiming to resume services after a recent suspension, while Tesla plans to launch a partially automated ride-hailing service by 2025. Other contenders, such as Amazon-owned Zoox and SoftBank-backed Wayve, are also testing self-driving technology in U.S. cities.
