Waymo Makes Strides in Airport and Public Transit Autonomous Robotaxi Battlegrounds
In the realm of autonomous vehicle technology, the competitive landscape is shifting from a race to a complex, winding journey towards proving and monetizing the tech. Yet, there are significant battlegrounds emerging within cities, particularly at airports and public transit systems.
Airports have historically played a crucial role in the success of ride-hailing companies, and autonomous vehicles are no exception. Today, Waymo offers rides to and from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport, with plans for expansion evident. This week, Waymo secured a permit to test its autonomous vehicles at San Francisco International Airport, paving the way for a potential commercial service launch.
Simultaneously, Waymo inked a deal with transit software company Via that could have far-reaching implications for cities. By integrating Waymo’s robotaxis into public transit networks, cities like Chandler, Arizona may soon see a mix of traditional and autonomous vehicles operating side by side. While this partnership might not yield immediate profits for Waymo, it represents a significant step towards increasing the volume of autonomous rides.
Meanwhile, UK-based startup Wayve continues to attract attention due to its innovative approach to automated driving technology. Following a successful Series C round last year, Wayve is now reportedly working on a Series D round, with Nvidia expressing interest in investing $500 million.
Other notable deals include Divergent Technologies’ $290 million funding for expanding military component production, EV Realty’s $75 million to build charging hubs in California, and Hyundai Motor Group’s plans to increase sales by 43% over the next five years through electrified vehicle production.
Significant announcements this week include Hyundai breaking ground on its Georgia factory, Tesla addressing door handle issues, and Stellantis revising its electric truck production plans. Meanwhile, Uber is set to test drone deliveries for Uber Eats in select US markets by year-end, while Waymo aims to launch a commercial robotaxi service in Nashville by 2026 in partnership with Lyft.
Mark your calendars for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, where Alex Kendall, co-founder and CEO of Wayve, will be joining us on stage. The event is scheduled for October 27 to October 29 at Moscone West in San Francisco. Register now to join thousands of startup and VC leaders.
