Waymo’s robotaxi launch in Madrid will begin with human drivers behind the wheel: electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles are set to reach the streets within days, while the company targets 2027 for its first Spanish riders. The initial rollout will involve manual driving followed by supervised validation.
Waymo’s Madrid robotaxi launch starts with manual driving
Waymo will initially drive its I-Pace vehicles manually around Madrid before moving into supervised validation with trained local specialists at the wheel. The Madrid region is the starting point for its planned Spanish robotaxi service.
The passenger target puts Madrid ahead of Toronto’s 2028 timeline. Waymo announced the Canadian expansion four days before its Madrid plans.
Spanish authorities and safety groups join preparations
According to Waymo, it is coordinating efforts with national, regional and local authorities across Spain. Its preparations also include briefings for emergency services and investment in local operations.
Spanish road safety organizations FESVIAL and AESLEME have backed the expansion.
“We share the region’s commitment to safer, more accessible, and zero-emission mobility, and we look forward to serving as a collaborative partner in achieving those goals,” said Tekedra Mawakana, Waymo’s Co-Chief Executive.
Madrid becomes Waymo’s third European market
Madrid adds a third European market to Waymo’s expansion plans, following London and Munich. The Madrid robotaxi launch and Toronto announcement bring two international markets into its plans within a week.
The fleet arrangements differ between the two cities. Element will run the Toronto fleet, while Waymo has not yet named an operations partner for Madrid.
Waymo cites global mileage and crash figures
Waymo says it has completed more than 20 million trips and accumulated 400 million autonomous kilometers globally. Those figures describe its wider operations, not driving in Madrid.
The company also claims that, compared with human drivers, its autonomous vehicles cause 95% fewer serious-injury crashes in the cities it serves.
European rollout begins with a discontinued vehicle
Waymo is using the discontinued Jaguar I-Pace for its Madrid rollout. Its newer Zeekr-built vehicle would face EU import duties on Chinese-built electric vehicles.
The immediate Madrid deployment is proceeding with the last-generation I-Pace, with trained local specialists taking part in supervised validation.
Article produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial team.