Waymo's current robotaxis run on electric power, not gasoline
Waymo operates two main electric vehicle models in its robotaxi fleet: the Jaguar I-PACE and the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid. The I-PACE is a fully electric vehicle with a battery that powers the entire car. The Pacifica is a plug-in hybrid, meaning it has both an electric battery and a gasoline engine, though Waymo's vehicles are designed to run primarily on electric power in urban driving conditions where the company operates.
The choice to use electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles aligns with Waymo's operations in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, where charging infrastructure exists and shorter routes favor battery-powered driving. Both vehicle types produce zero or near-zero emissions during the rides passengers take, which matters for air quality in dense urban areas.
Key Takeaways
- Waymo's robotaxis include the fully electric Jaguar I-PACE and the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid, both powered primarily by electricity rather than gasoline.
- The I-PACE is entirely battery-powered, while the Pacifica plug-in hybrid can switch to a gasoline engine for longer trips or when the battery is depleted.
- Waymo operates in cities with established charging networks, making electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles practical for their service areas.
- Using electric vehicles reduces tailpipe emissions in the neighborhoods where Waymo operates, though the electricity source varies by region.
The Jaguar I-PACE: Waymo's fully electric option
The Jaguar I-PACE is a purpose-built electric SUV that Waymo has integrated into its fleet. This vehicle has no gasoline engine—it runs entirely on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The I-PACE can travel roughly 300 miles on a full charge, depending on driving conditions and traffic patterns, which covers most urban rides Waymo handles in a single day.
Waymo retrofits the I-PACE with its own self-driving hardware and software, including cameras, radar, and lidar sensors mounted on the roof and body. The vehicle's electric drivetrain is quieter than gasoline engines, which some passengers notice during rides. Waymo charges these vehicles at dedicated stations in its operating cities, typically overnight or between ride shifts.
The Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid: Waymo's flexible option
The Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is a minivan with both an electric battery and a gasoline engine. In electric mode, it can travel 30 to 40 miles before the gasoline engine kicks in. For most of Waymo's urban routes, the vehicle operates on battery power alone. When the battery depletes or on longer trips, the gasoline engine automatically engages to power the wheels and recharge the battery.
Waymo chose the Pacifica for its passenger capacity—it seats up to five people compared to the I-PACE's four—and its flexibility on longer routes. The plug-in hybrid design means Waymo doesn't need to worry about battery range on occasional longer trips, though the majority of rides still run on electric power.
How Waymo charges its electric fleet
Waymo operates charging stations at its facilities in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. These are not public charging stations—they are private infrastructure that Waymo built and maintains for its own vehicles. The company charges vehicles during off-peak hours, typically overnight, to take advantage of lower electricity rates and to have a full battery ready for the next day's rides.
The charging process for the I-PACE takes several hours on a standard charger, though Waymo uses faster chargers at some facilities to reduce downtime. The Pacifica plug-in hybrid charges more quickly since its battery is smaller. Waymo's charging strategy is designed around its operational schedule: vehicles are charged when demand for rides is lowest, and they are ready to serve passengers during peak hours.
Why Waymo chose electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles produce no or minimal tailpipe emissions, which reduces air pollution in the neighborhoods where Waymo operates. This matters in dense urban areas where air quality affects residents' health. Waymo's choice also reflects the company's long-term strategy: as electricity grids shift toward renewable sources, electric vehicles become cleaner over time without any change to the car itself.
Electric vehicles also have lower operating costs than gasoline cars. Electricity is cheaper than fuel, and electric motors have fewer moving parts, which reduces maintenance expenses. For a robotaxi service that runs vehicles many hours per day, these cost savings compound quickly. The quiet operation of electric motors is also an advantage in urban environments where noise pollution matters.
The electricity source and environmental impact
The environmental benefit of Waymo's electric vehicles depends partly on where the electricity comes from. In California, where Waymo operates in San Francisco and Los Angeles, the power grid includes a significant share of renewable energy—solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. In Arizona, where Waymo operates in Phoenix, the grid includes nuclear and solar power alongside natural gas. The cleaner the electricity grid, the cleaner the vehicle's operation.
Even in regions with mixed electricity sources, electric vehicles typically produce fewer emissions over their lifetime than gasoline cars, because electric motors are far more efficient at converting energy into motion. A gasoline engine wastes much of its fuel energy as heat; an electric motor converts 85 to 90 percent of electrical energy into motion. This efficiency advantage holds true regardless of the electricity source.
What this means for passengers and cities
For passengers, riding in a Waymo electric vehicle means a quieter, smoother experience than a gasoline car. There is no engine vibration, no gear shifting, and no fuel smell. The ride feels different—acceleration is when ready and smooth, and the cabin is noticeably quieter.
For cities, Waymo's electric fleet contributes to cleaner air and reduced noise pollution in neighborhoods where the service operates. As more robotaxi services launch and more cities allow autonomous vehicles, the choice between electric and gasoline fleets will shape urban air quality. Waymo's decision to go electric signals that autonomous vehicle operators see electric powertrains as the standard, not an exception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Waymo's robotaxis run out of battery during a ride?
The I-PACE has a range of roughly 300 miles, which is far more than any single ride Waymo handles. The Pacifica plug-in hybrid can travel 30 to 40 miles on battery before the gasoline engine engages. Waymo monitors battery levels and schedules charging to prevent vehicles from running low during service hours. In practice, this is not a concern passengers encounter.
Does Waymo's use of electric vehicles make rides more expensive?
Waymo's pricing is set by the company based on demand, distance, and time—not by the vehicle's fuel type. The lower operating costs of electric vehicles may help Waymo keep prices competitive, but the company does not publish separate pricing for I-PACE versus Pacifica rides. Passengers do not pay differently based on which vehicle arrives.
Are Waymo's robotaxis charged with renewable energy?
Waymo charges its vehicles at private facilities in cities where it operates. The electricity comes from the regional power grid, which includes a mix of sources—renewable energy, natural gas, nuclear, and others depending on the region. California's grid has a higher renewable percentage than Arizona's, so vehicles charged in San Francisco or Los Angeles use cleaner electricity on average than those charged in Phoenix.
Will Waymo add more electric vehicle models to its fleet?
Waymo has announced partnerships with vehicle manufacturers and continues to test new models, but the company has not publicly committed to specific new vehicles or timelines. The I-PACE and Pacifica remain the primary vehicles in active service. Any expansion would likely prioritize electric or plug-in hybrid models given Waymo's current direction.