Waymo self-driving cars will undergo testing in Japan in 2027 as Toyota and the American autonomous driving company expand their partnership in driverless transportation. The project will combine Toyota’s electric vehicle manufacturing expertise with Waymo’s autonomous driving technology to develop a new generation of automated taxis.
Toyota Motor Corporation and Waymo announced the development on Friday, October 30, 2026. Initially, they plan to test Toyota’s bZ4X electric vehicles before expanding the programme into other international markets. The project will also help both companies assess how autonomous technology can operate within Japan’s transport system.
The partnership marks another important step towards making driverless transportation more accessible. Meanwhile, it highlights growing competition among global automotive companies to shape the future of mobility.
Waymo Self-Driving Cars to Use Toyota Electric Vehicles
Under the agreement, Toyota will manufacture the vehicles at its Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. In addition to assembling the electric vehicles, the facility will handle the installation of Waymo’s autonomous driving equipment.
The Toyota bZ4X will serve as the main vehicle for the project. However, both companies also plan to improve passenger comfort and accessibility. These improvements will include automatic doors, a power liftgate, ambient lighting and additional rear-seat legroom.
Meanwhile, Waymo will provide the technology that allows the vehicles to navigate roads without human drivers under approved operating conditions.
The companies are targeting Level 4 autonomous driving. At this level, vehicles can perform all driving tasks independently within specific conditions and locations without requiring human intervention.
Partnership Could Expand Beyond Japan
Beyond Japan, the collaboration could create opportunities for expansion into the United Kingdom and other markets where Waymo operates. This follows an initial agreement that both companies announced in April 2025.
Furthermore, Toyota and Waymo want to explore how autonomous technology could improve personally owned Toyota vehicles. They will also work with Woven by Toyota to examine how driving data and technology can improve road safety.
However, the companies have not announced the exact number of vehicles for the Japanese programme or the locations where testing will take place.
The development comes as autonomous transportation attracts greater investment worldwide. As more companies explore driverless mobility, manufacturers are looking for ways to improve passenger experiences, reduce human driving errors and introduce new transport services.
Ultimately, the success of the partnership will depend on safety assessments, regulatory approval and operational readiness. Although testing is expected to begin in 2027, commercial expansion will require further development.
If successful, the collaboration could strengthen Japan’s position in autonomous mobility and accelerate the global adoption of self-driving electric vehicles.
