Waymo has expanded its self-driving taxi service to Denver, San Diego, and Tampa, bringing its total to 14 US cities. The company is doubling down on its strategy, slowly rolling out the service and increasing its fleet of autonomous vehicles. Meanwhile, Tesla continues to test its own driverless vehicles in select cities. Waymo’s expansion, which began 18 months ago, has seen it add seven more cities, including Atlanta and Miami, cementing its status as the leading US robotaxi provider.

Key to Waymo’s expansion is its new Ojai minivan, which will be the only autonomous vehicle available in Denver and San Diego. This vehicle, part of Waymo’s sixth-generation self-driving system, is cheaper to build, operate and maintain, but currently numbers only about 300. However, its fleet is expected to grow rapidly as Waymo aims for profitability alongside growth.

Waymo’s approach to entering new markets is consistent, involving initial mapping and testing, followed by the removal of human safety operators, and eventually opening up to paying customers. Local regulations often dictate how quickly this process can unfold, with states like California requiring permits from two different agencies.

The company’s relentless expansion strategy, including plans to launch robotaxis in London and Munich, underscores its ambition to dominate the autonomous vehicle market. As AI technology continues to evolve, the race for dominance in the robotaxi sector is heating up, with both Waymo and Tesla pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.