Waymo plans to double robotaxi production at Arizona plant by 2026
- Waymo has inaugurated a 239,000-square-foot factory in Mesa, Arizona, for robotaxi production.
- The company aims to double its production capacity by 2026, planning to enhance an existing fleet of 1,500 vehicles.
- This expansion is part of a broader strategy to increase service coverage and passenger volume in several major U.S. cities.
In October 2024, Waymo opened a new facility in Mesa, Arizona, covering 239,000 square feet, focusing on the production of electric vehicles transformed into robotaxis. The collaboration with Magna International was established to bolster the manufacturing process, which initially produces several Jaguar I-PACE electric SUVs equipped with advanced computing systems, cameras, radar, and lidar sensors. As of now, Waymo operates about 1,500 robotaxis, providing around 250,000 paid rides weekly across cities like Phoenix, Austin, and Los Angeles. To support ambitious growth plans, Waymo intends to double its robotaxi production by 2026, enhancing the existing fleet significantly. The new facility has a projected capacity to assemble tens of thousands of fully autonomous vehicles annually, marking a substantial increase from their current operational scale. Waymo has also initiated a partnership with Toyota to explore future vehicle platforms that may transition Waymo's technology into personal vehicle models. Currently, the automated vehicles are configured to drive themselves directly from the factory to their designated areas, such as the Phoenix fleet, showcasing innovative integration in real-world applications. This ramp-up comes with expectations that Waymo could scale up its service area to other major cities like Atlanta and Miami by 2026, aiming for millions of weekly passengers if projections hold. Waymo is in a competitive landscape marked by Tesla and other companies looking to establish their presence in the self-driving car market, though Waymo's existing technology and operational models could set it apart. The company continues to emphasize the importance of in-house design for its technology, factoring into the overall cost structure relative to rival firms. This move toward increased production aligns with the broader vision of autonomous vehicle deployment and public transportation evolution, potentially shaping the future of mobility. Ultimately, this strategic development underscores Waymo's commitment to expanding its operational footprint and capitalizing on self-driving vehicle technology. The factory location outside of Phoenix solidifies its position as a central hub for innovation in autonomous transport, which is crucial for forming effective city-wide transportation solutions.