While most cars still need drivers, Waymo’s fleet of self-driving robotaxis has grown dramatically throughout 2025. The company expanded from 1,500 vehicles in May to nearly 2,500 by November. That rapid growth has positioned Waymo as a leader in the emerging autonomous vehicle industry, leaving competitors like Tesla and Zoox scrambling to keep pace.
Waymo’s expansion shows impressive scale. The company now operates across five major U.S. cities and provides over 450,000 rides weekly. More than 250,000 of those trips are paid rides from customers. In July, Waymo reached a significant milestone by completing 100 million fully autonomous miles. These numbers demonstrate that self-driving technology isn’t just experimental anymore—it’s serving real people in real cities. The fully electric fleet eliminates tailpipe emissions while preventing approximately 315 tons of CO₂ emissions weekly. Waymo’s safety record shows 88% fewer property damage claims compared to human drivers, validating the technology’s reliability.
Waymo’s 450,000 weekly rides and 100 million autonomous miles prove self-driving technology is now serving real people in real cities.
The company’s fleet uses self-driving Jaguar I-PACE vehicles, which operate without human safety operators in several locations. Waymo launched in Miami with fully driverless vehicles and began serving Detroit in November, marking its first Midwest expansion. In early December, Waymo announced eight new cities: Baltimore, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Houston, Orlando, and San Antonio. Despite widespread consumer concerns, with 66% of U.S. drivers feeling fearful of autonomous vehicles according to recent surveys, Waymo continues its aggressive expansion strategy.
Waymo’s ambitions extend beyond the U.S. The company is testing in London and Tokyo, with a London rollout planned for 2026. It’s also pioneering freeway robotaxi routes in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. These highway services enable faster trips between towns and suburbs, representing a major step forward for autonomous vehicle technology.
Partnership deals are fueling growth too. Waymo works with Uber in Austin and Atlanta, with Lyft in Nashville launching in 2026, and with Avis Budget Group for Dallas operations. The Waymo app also lets riders hail vehicles directly in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.
Competitors haven’t disappeared, but they’re trailing. Tesla operates robotaxis with human supervisors, and Zoox focuses on shorter city trips. Waymo’s 250,000 weekly paid trips demonstrate significant market penetration. While that pales compared to Uber’s 250 million global trips, it shows autonomous vehicles are finally becoming part of everyday transportation.
As 2025 closes, Waymo’s momentum suggests 2026 will bring even more dramatic changes to how people move around cities.