Waymo's Texas Fleet Growth Signals Path to Lower Mobility Costs in Underserved Areas

Waymo's rapid expansion of autonomous vehicles in Texas—driven by new Ojai minivans—could reduce mobility costs long-term, particularly in underserved communities.

Waymo's Texas autonomous vehicle fleet grew by 49% in the three weeks ending September 24, 2024, reaching 1,102 registered vehicles. This surge was primarily fueled by Ojai minivans (modified Zeekr RTs), which constitute about one-third of the Texas fleet as of that date. The vehicles, launched through a March 2025 partnership with Uber, are built on Zeekr's SEA-M platform and equipped with Waymo's sixth-generation self-driving system and Google Gemini AI. Waymo also plans to import 5,100 such vehicles into the U.S. by year-end, with production occurring in an Arizona facility that modifies Zeekr vehicles to add self-driving capabilities.

The Ojai vehicles' design—shipped to the U.S. without Chinese connected-car technology—suggests a focus on localized deployment that may ease regulatory barriers. This configuration supports Waymo's strategy to scale autonomous mobility in regions where traditional transportation access is limited.

For underserved areas, this expansion could lower mobility costs long-term by providing affordable, autonomous transport options. As Waymo's fleet grows in Texas—a state with significant rural populations—its model may help reduce transportation expenses for communities that currently face high costs or limited transit options.

What to watch: Texas registration data accuracy, MoffettNathanson's 5,100 vehicle target, and whether Ojai vehicles scale beyond Texas. The source notes fleet numbers are based on state registrations and the Texas Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Tracker, while the 49% growth rate applies to a three-week period ending September 24, 2024.

Source: TechCrunch