Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary, has historically been discreet about the size of its Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicle (EV) fleet. For years, the company refrained from disclosing specific numbers, fueling speculation about the scope of its operations. However, new developments have illuminated the growth and scale of Waymo’s fleet, specifically its use of the Jaguar I-Pace in various testing and ride-hailing services.
While the company has utilized a mix of self-driving Chrysler Pacifica minivans and Jaguar I-Pace EVs, much attention has been focused on the luxury electric crossover since it was integrated into Waymo’s fleet in 2018. These vehicles, customized in close collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover, are outfitted with specially designed autonomous driving kits and proprietary software, allowing them to transport passengers without a human driver under certain operational conditions.
Originally introduced in Phoenix, Arizona — and more recently expanded to markets like San Francisco and Los Angeles — the I-Pace models have helped Waymo scale its autonomous ride-hailing service, Waymo One. According to sources familiar with the company’s operations, the Jaguar vehicles not only serve ongoing mapping and validation tests but are also in active service transporting paying customers.
In recent months, Waymo has increased the visibility of its ride-hailing services, operating fully driverless rides in parts of California and Arizona. The Jaguar I-Pace fleet has played a pivotal role in this, thanks to its battery-electric platform and premium appeal, which aligns with Waymo’s strategy of delivering a comfortable, low-emissions ride experience.
Although Waymo still hasn’t publicly confirmed an exact number of vehicles, industry estimates and regulatory disclosures suggest the autonomous fleet consists of several hundred Jaguar I-Pace EVs. As regulatory scrutiny, scalability challenges, and technological hurdles continue to shape the AV industry, Waymo’s gradual revelation of its fleet size reflects its effort to build public trust while navigating a highly competitive and evolving sector.
In summary, Waymo’s once-secretive Jaguar I-Pace fleet has become an increasingly prominent component of its autonomous vehicle program, underscoring the company’s commitment to commercializing self-driving EVs in urban settings.
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