Why These Vehicles Are Suddenly Appearing in Minnesota

Photos of Waymo vehicles arriving in Minnesota started popping up on social media over the last week, leaving many to wonder if the self-driving taxi service was about to launch in the state.

Waymo Rolls Into Minneapolis

Wonder no more. Waymo is officially coming to Minneapolis. This marks the company’s sixth city of operation and easily its coldest and snowiest market so far.

Waymo confirmed on its website that they are “lacing up our skates and laying the early groundwork for our fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Minneapolis.” The company says it is now operating its fleet of Jaguar I-PACE and Zeekr RT vehicles on the streets of Minnesota’s biggest city.

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Preparing For Real Minnesota Winters

Waymo says it has spent years preparing for Minnesota’s notorious winters by testing in an area that somehow manages to be even harsher, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. With enough confidence in their sixth generation Waymo Driver technology, the company says it uses AI and advanced cleaning systems to keep sensors clear and maintain operations in snow and ice.

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Why Minnesota Still Requires a Driver

If you have ever taken a Waymo in one of its other markets, you will notice one big difference in Minnesota’s service. A human will remain in the driver’s seat, at least for now. Minnesota law currently prevents vehicles from operating fully driverless, though Waymo hopes that will eventually change.

With drivers behind the wheel, Waymo can comply with state laws while gathering crucial data during Minnesota’s changing seasons. The company says this will help refine safety systems and prepare for true autonomous operation when legislation catches up.

Legislation May Be Changing Soon

Minnesota is working on laws that would allow fully self-driving vehicles. Rep. Erin Koegel, Co Chair of the Minnesota House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee, said in a Waymo press release, “We are committed to ensuring autonomous deployment like Waymo’s is done responsibly, leveraging this innovation to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and secure Minnesota’s place as a national leader in the future of mobility.”