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Waymo to begin Toronto mapping tests ahead of 2028 robotaxi launch
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous driving company, has announced its expansion into Canada, starting with mapping operations in Toronto. The company plans to begin manual driving tests with human operators in the coming days to collect high-definition mapping data and validate its software against local traffic patterns.
The ultimate goal is to launch a fully autonomous robotaxi service in Toronto by 2028. To support this rollout, Waymo has received approval to participate in Ontario’s Automated Vehicle Pilot Program. The company intends to use a fleet of Jaguar I-Pace vehicles, with fleet management services provided by the Toronto-based Element Fleet Management.
A primary technical challenge for the expansion is Toronto’s winter climate. Unlike many of the warmer environments where Waymo currently operates, such as Phoenix and Los Angeles, Toronto presents significant obstacles including heavy snow, ice, and reduced visibility. Waymo stated it is working to ensure its sensors can manage these conditions, including implementing systems to clear snow and ice from hardware.
Entities
Alphabet · Element Fleet Management · Ontario · Toronto · Waymo
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Waymo aims to launch fully autonomous ride-hailing services in Toronto by 2028. recentlyheard.com · wwwhatsnew.com · uk.pcmag.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The initial test fleet will consist of Jaguar I-Pace vehicles. uk.pcmag.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Element Fleet Management will provide fleet management services in Canada. wwwhatsnew.com · uk.pcmag.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Waymo will begin manual mapping of Toronto streets in the coming days. recentlyheard.com · wwwhatsnew.com · uk.pcmag.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Waymo has received approval to participate in Ontario’s Automated Vehicle Pilot Program. wwwhatsnew.com · uk.pcmag.com