Waymo in the Snow: Can Robotaxis Conquer Winter Cities?

TechMobility Topics

Waymo, the pioneering autonomous vehicle company backed by Alphabet, is accelerating its push into some of America’s most complex and unpredictable cities. The company has announced plans to launch its robotaxi service in Washington, D.C. next year, while simultaneously testing autonomous operations with safety drivers in Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia.

Unlike its current markets in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta — where the climate is generally more forgiving — these northeastern cities present a whole new set of challenges. Harsh winters bring snow and ice that can confuse sensors, while dense cityscapes with narrow streets, constant roadwork, jaywalking pedestrians, delivery trucks, and swarms of e-bikes create environments that demand split-second decision-making. Add in long, dark nights and unpredictable weather shifts, and the road ahead becomes even tougher for self-driving systems.

If Waymo can prove its technology in these conditions, it could mark a major milestone in the journey toward truly reliable autonomous mobility. Success would signal that self-driving cars aren’t just a novelty for the sunny Southwest — they can thrive in the messy, chaotic reality of urban America. The coming trials will be a decisive test for both Waymo and the future of autonomous driving.