Waymo is preparing a robotaxi service launch in Berlin

While US company Waymo is preparing to launch its robotaxi service in Munich, the company that began with the Google autonomous driving project is apparently doing the same in Berlin. A trial operation could start later this year, according to the Berlin city administration, which Waymo has yet to publically confirm or deny.

Waymo robotaxi in San Francisco (archive image)

Image: Waymo

Waymo has just expanded its robotaxi service to Denver, San Diego and Tampa. With this expansion, Waymo’s robotaxis are now available in 14 US cities. European expansion is also on the horizon for the company that originated from Google’s autonomous driving project. In addition toLondon, Waymo recently confirmed itsplanned launch in Munich, where the first test drives are set to begin in the coming weeks, initially with human drivers behind the wheel, before the commercial launch of the robotaxi service, scheduled for the end of 2027.

Now, a joint investigation by German publications _manager magazin_ and _Spiegel_ reveals that Waymo is also preparing for a launch in Berlin. Internal documents from the Berlin Senate Administration reportedly show that, just a few weeks ago, Waymo planned to map the Berlin city area “with up to 50 vehicles in test mode” and test the specially equipped cars on the roads before the end of this year. The commercial launch of the service was reportedly intended for 2027.

Waymo will not yet confirm Berlin launch

Currently, however, Waymo is neither confirming the preparations for the Berlin launch nor the timeline. In response to _manager magazin_, Waymo only stated that it would “very much like to bring the service to more locations across Germany” but currently has nothing further to announce.

When asked by _manager magazin_, a spokesperson for the Berlin city administration stated that discussions with Waymo were already “well advanced”. From the administration’s perspective, it is also “possible” for Waymo to begin test operations in Berlin before the end of this year.

According to the report, Waymo was the first company to approach the Berlin city administration with a concrete plan for vehicle scaling and such a detailed business plan. Approval would certainly align with the capital’s interests: “We are technology-neutral and have a genuine interest in testing such robotaxis on Berlin’s roads,” explained a spokesperson for the Senate Department for Transport.

To launch in Germany, Waymo requires a series of approvals. First, it needs a testing permit for Level 4 autonomous driving from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), followed by a regular operating licence from the same authority—something the KBA has not yet granted to any company. Additionally, it requires approval from the relevant state authority for the intended operational area. Finally, it also needs a commercial licence under the Passenger Transport Act, which currently regulates taxis and rental cars with drivers, but not driverless vehicles. So, Waymo has plenty of paperwork to do before it can begin operations in Munich and/or Berlin.