Waymo to test robotaxis in Munich ahead of 2027 launch

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle unit of Alphabet, announced on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, that it will begin testing its robotaxis in Munich, Germany, within weeks, with plans to launch a public ride-hailing service in the city by the end of 2027. The move marks the company's first announced market in the European Union and is part of a broader, previously unannounced expansion across the continent. The initial phase will involve a small fleet of all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles driving through Munich's districts, including Maxvorstadt, Au-Haidhausen, and Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt. These vehicles will be operated by trained safety drivers as Waymo maps the local streets and evaluates its technology in the dense urban environment. The company has not specified the number of vehicles it will deploy. "Munich is a world-class hub for mobility and engineering, and becoming part of this city marks an important milestone in our global expansion," said Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana in a statement. The company plans to invest in local fleet operations and create jobs in the city.