theverge.com·Feb 25, 2026
Waymo has expanded its presence to Chicago and Charlotte, deploying manually driven vehicles for mapping data as it awaits permits for driverless commercial operations, following its recent launch of driverless operations in four Texas and Florida cities.
Waymo's recent expansion into Chicago and Charlotte highlights a strategic approach of using manually driven vehicles to collect mapping data while awaiting driverless operation permits. This tactic not only accelerates the data collection process for HD mapping but also streamlines regulatory approval, offering a blueprint for other autonomous vehicle companies looking to efficiently enter new markets.