Waymo to begin testing in Chicago and Charlotte

Waymo is expanding its autonomous vehicle testing to Chicago and Charlotte, beginning with manual mapping and early data collection to prepare for future operations. This initial phase involves months of manual driving to understand local road conditions, traffic patterns, and unique challenges before introducing autonomous testing and eventually fully driverless services. Charlotte’s suburban layout and mild weather present a relatively easier environment, whereas Chicago’s harsh winters, heavy traffic, and complex urban setting pose significant challenges that, if overcome, would demonstrate Waymo’s ability to scale its technology nationally. This expansion follows Waymo’s recent launch of commercial driverless operations in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando. Beyond Chicago and Charlotte, the company is also testing and planning deployments in cities like Denver, London, and Washington, D.C. Additionally, Waymo recently secured funding to support its international growth, signaling a broader ambition to expand its autonomous vehicle services globally.