Waymo begins Minneapolis mapping with <10 cars, human drivers; seeks approval for autonomous rides
Waymo has begun mapping and early testing in Minneapolis with a fleet of "less than 10" Jaguar I‑PACE and Zeekr RT vehicles driven by humans, using its sixth‑generation Waymo Driver and self‑cleaning sensors tuned for snow and ice after winter‑prep testing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, California’s Sierra Nevada and upstate New York. The company says no permits are required for this mapping phase but will work with state and city officials as it seeks commercial approval and plans a phased expansion model like San Francisco aiming for airport and freeway connectivity, drawing support from state House transportation co-chairs and MADD Minnesota.
📌 Key Facts
- Waymo has begun mapping/testing in Minneapolis with a fleet of fewer than 10 vehicles and will have human drivers behind the wheel during early tests.
- The company says no permits are required to start the testing/mapping phase, but it will work with state and city officials as it seeks approval to operate commercial autonomous rides.
- The test vehicles are Jaguar I‑PACE and Zeekr RT models equipped with Waymo's sixth‑generation Driver, featuring self‑cleaning sensors designed to handle snow and ice.
- Waymo conducted winter‑prep testing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, California’s Sierra Nevada, and upstate New York to validate performance in cold and snowy conditions.
- Waymo plans to scale service using a phased expansion model similar to its rollout in San Francisco and ultimately aims to provide airport and freeway connectivity.
- Bipartisan support came from Minnesota House Transportation co‑chairs Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL) and Rep. Jon Koznick (R).
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Minnesota expressed support, saying autonomous rides could help reduce impaired driving.
📰 Sources (2)
Waymo rolls driverless ridesharing into Minneapolis for testing
New information:
- Waymo has started with a fleet of 'less than 10' vehicles and will have humans behind the wheel in early testing.
- Company says no permits are required to begin this testing/mapping phase, but it will work with state and city officials toward commercial approval.
- Vehicles are Jaguar I-PACE and Zeekr RT using 'sixth-generation' Waymo Driver with self-cleaning sensors aimed at snow/ice performance.
- Winter-prep testing occurred in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, California’s Sierra Nevada, and upstate New York.
- Support statements included from House Transportation co-chairs Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL) and Rep. Jon Koznick (R).
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving Minnesota voiced support, citing potential to reduce impaired driving.
- Waymo outlines service-scaling model using San Francisco’s phased expansion as an example; ultimately aims for airport/freeway connectivity.