Waymo, the self driving technology unit of Alphabet Inc., is set to bring its autonomous ride hailing service to London, marking its first foray into the European market.
The company announced Monday that it will begin testing its driverless robotaxis on selected routes in the British capital in early 2026, in collaboration with local authorities and transport regulators. The move signals a major step in Waymo’s international expansion and adds London to a growing list of cities where the company is deploying its autonomous vehicles.
“London is a global city with a unique mix of infrastructure, policy, and public transit culture,” said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo. “It’s the ideal environment to demonstrate how our technology can complement and enhance urban mobility.”
Breaking New Ground in Europe
Waymo’s expansion into London comes after years of development and commercial deployment in U.S. cities such as Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. In London, the company will initially operate with safety drivers aboard the vehicles while collecting data, with a full driverless service expected to follow after regulatory approval.
Unlike other ride-hailing firms, Waymo uses vehicles powered entirely by its proprietary autonomous driving system. Its fleet will operate electric vehicles, with plans to integrate seamlessly into London’s strict emission and congestion policies.
Waymo is also reportedly engaging with Transport for London (TfL) and local stakeholders to ensure its rollout aligns with citywide goals for safe, sustainable, and inclusive transport.
Competition and Caution
The UK government has taken steps to make Britain a leader in autonomous vehicle innovation, recently passing legislation to allow fully self-driving cars on public roads by 2026. However, public skepticism and concerns around safety remain high in urban environments as complex as London’s.
Industry analysts view Waymo’s entry into Europe as both a technological milestone and a litmus test for the continent’s appetite for autonomous mobility. The move may also spark renewed competition with other AV developers such as Cruise, Tesla, and local startups that have yet to make significant European inroads.
What Comes Next
Waymo has not announced pricing, specific service zones, or a launch date for public access, but said further details will be shared in early 2026 following initial trials. If successful, London could serve as a springboard for broader European expansion, with cities like Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam likely in its sights.
As autonomous mobility continues to shift from science fiction to city streets, Waymo’s London debut is poised to be a defining moment for the future of transport not just in Europe, but globally.
source: cnbc.com
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