Waymo robotaxis face backlash in San Diego over public charger use

Waymo robotaxis are causing frustration among electric vehicle owners in San Diego, California, by occupying public fast-charging stations. Residents report waiting between 30 minutes and an hour for available connectors, as autonomous fleets frequently occupy multiple stalls at once.

The issue stems from a lack of sufficient dedicated charging infrastructure for autonomous fleets. While Waymo states it prioritizes its own charging depots, the company also utilizes public chargers for its fleet, which includes Jaguar I-Pace and Zeekr vehicles. Building private charging hubs is a slow process due to regulatory hurdles, grid connection delays, and equipment lead times.

In response to the growing tension, the San Diego City Council unanimously approved a resolution urging state officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, to grant cities greater regulatory authority over autonomous vehicles. The resolution also requests that airport authorities restrict these vehicles from operating at San Diego International Airport.