Waymo plans Madrid testing ahead of targeted 2027 passenger launch

Waymo announced October 20 that it is preparing to bring autonomous rides to Spain, starting in the Madrid region. The company is targeting 2027 for its first passengers.

Electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles are expected to appear on local roads within days. Human drivers will operate them initially, followed by technical testing with trained local specialists at the wheel. Waymo said that process will help its driving system handle Madrid’s traffic and road conditions.

Madrid adds a Spanish destination to Waymo’s expansion beyond its existing operations. The company said it has completed more than 20 million trips and provides hundreds of thousands of commercial rides weekly. Those figures describe its wider business, rather than service already operating in Spain.

Waymo said it is working with authorities at multiple levels, introducing emergency services to its technology and investing in local operations. Testing and preparations come before passenger service, and the announcement did not specify an opening date within 2027.