Waymo Robotaxis Drive Empty for Nearly Half Their Miles
TL;DR. New data reveals Waymo's robotaxis operate without passengers for approximately 44% of their total driven miles. - An MIT study analyzed 1,000 days of Waymo California Public Utilities Commission data, covering 13.8 million trips. - Initial empty miles were 64%, improving to 44% by the study period's end, indicating ongoing inefficiencies. - This challenges the promise that autonomous vehicles will substantially reduce urban traffic congestion. - Waymo is working to reduce 'deadheading' by optimizing fleet deployment and expanding freeway service.
- Waymo robotaxis drive 44% of their miles empty, challenging traffic reduction claims.
- Data analysis spans 1,000 days, covering 13.8 million Waymo trips and 86.3 million total miles.
- Operational inefficiencies persist despite efforts to reduce 'deadheading' rates.
- This raises questions about the environmental and infrastructural impact of widespread robotaxi adoption.
Sources
- Autonomous vehicles were supposed to cut traffic—what if they don't? — arstechnica.com