Introduction

Waymo is accelerating its commercial robotaxi deployment across the United States, with ridership and geographic coverage expanding at a rapid pace. The Alphabet-backed company now averages half a million paid trips weekly across a fleet that has grown well beyond its original test markets.

What Happened

When Waymo exited its early pilot phase in September 2024, service was limited to just three cities: Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Today, the company operates robotaxi service in 15 U.S. cities, with the majority of new launches occurring within the past year. Roughly 80 percent of the approximately 4,000 vehicles in the fleet are concentrated in California and Texas, while the remaining units are distributed across Arizona, Florida, and other emerging markets.

Why This Matters

The rapid expansion highlights Waymo's push toward mass-scale autonomy, but also reveals where the company is directing its resources. Texas has become a focal point, with the fleet growing nearly 50 percent in just three weeks following the introduction of a new purpose-built minivan. That vehicle, designed to reduce per-unit costs and support profitability, represents a strategic shift as the company navigates trade policies and works to scale efficiently across multiple states.

Key Takeaways

  • Waymo now operates in 15 U.S. cities with half a million weekly rides.
  • Eighty percent of the fleet is split between California and Texas.
  • Texas robotaxi numbers surged nearly 50 percent in three weeks after the new minivan entered the fleet.
  • The Ojai minivan is a Zeekr RT-based vehicle built on SEA-M platform, equipped with Waymo's sixth-generation self-driving system.
  • Import tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles are offsetting expected cost savings, but Waymo plans to import over 5,100 units by year-end.

Conclusion

Waymo's fleet data shows a company in fast-growth mode, leveraging new vehicle platforms to expand coverage while facing trade-policy headwinds. As the Ojai minivan becomes a larger share of the fleet, particularly in Texas and Florida, the industry will be watching how quickly the company can translate scale into sustainable profitability.