Waymo Fleet Hits 4,000 as Texas Robotaxi Expansion Surges 49%
Waymo runs 4,000 robotaxis and 500,000 paid rides weekly, but 80% sit in California and Texas as tariff-hit Ojai imports accelerate across new markets.
Summary
Waymo, the Google spinoff majority-owned by Alphabet, expanded from Phoenix, Los Angeles and San Francisco in September 2024 to 15 U.S. cities by September 2026, with most launches in the past year. Its roughly 4,000 robotaxis now provide 500,000 paid rides weekly, but 80% operate in California and Texas. About 800 serve other states, including Arizona and Florida. Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs remain the majority, while modified Zeekr RT minivans branded Ojai are gaining share.
Texas registrations climbed 49% in three weeks to 1,102 vehicles on September 24, after increasing from about 600 in June to more than 700 by late August. Ojai vehicles now comprise about one-third of the state fleet. Waymo launched Austin service through Uber in March 2025, followed by Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. California remains central because Waymo is based in Silicon Valley, conducted early development there and serves a population receptive to emerging technology.
Geely-owned Zeekr, whose parent also owns Volvo, builds Ojai on its SEA-M platform and ships it without Chinese connected-car technology. Waymo installs its sixth-generation self-driving system in Arizona, alongside a durable interior, upgraded rider interface and Google Gemini assistant. Ojai is intended to lower costs and support profitability, but U.S. tariffs on Chinese vehicles currently reduce those savings. MoffettNathanson shipping data indicates 5,100 Ojai imports by the end of 2026, with Texas, Florida’s three Waymo cities and Las Vegas among the expected destinations.
Positives
- 500,000 paid rides per week demonstrate substantial commercial demand across Waymo’s expanding network.
- 15 U.S. cities now offer Waymo service, compared with three in September 2024.
- Texas registrations surged 49% in three weeks, reaching 1,102 autonomous vehicles on September 24.
- 5,100 Ojai vehicles are on track to enter the United States by the end of 2026.
- Ojai combines Waymo’s sixth-generation driving system with Gemini, stronger interiors and upgraded rider controls.
Risks & concerns
- 80% of Waymo’s roughly 4,000 vehicles remain concentrated in California and Texas despite service spanning 15 cities.
- U.S. tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles are eroding the cost savings Waymo expects from Ojai.
- Only about 800 vehicles serve states outside California and Texas, limiting fleet depth across newer markets.
- Texas fleet growth was modest from June through August before September’s Ojai-driven surge.