By AFP
January 29, 2026
Waymo robotaxis in San Francisco. Photo: Mliu92 Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons. CC BY-SA 3.0
US self-driving car company Waymo said Thursday it is working with UK partners to launch driverless robotaxis in London, which are expected to begin operating later this year.
London would mark the first foray into Europe for Waymo, owned by Google parent Alphabet and already present in a growing number of US cities.
The approvals are dependant on when a new law, the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act, is implemented.
Self-driving vehicles would undergo “rigorous” tests to prove they are at least as safe, competent and careful as human drivers, before being allowed on UK roads, the government said.
The government estimated that the self-driving vehicle industry could create thousands of jobs and add billions of pounds to the UK economy by 2035.
Local Transport minister Lillian Greenwood praised Waymo’s planned rollout on social media Thursday.
“Their intention to bring automated passenger services to London under our proposed piloting scheme is a vote of confidence in our AV Act and could transform road safety and accessibility,” she wrote on X.
Waymo already has dozens of vehicles operating in London with a safety driver present for mapping and data collection purposes ahead of the launch of pilot self-driving schemes later this year.
The Waymo booth at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this month
– Copyright AFP Caroline Brehman
California-based Waymo partnered with UK-based Jaguar Land Rover in 2018 to develop a self-driving electric car.
“Over the coming months we’ll work closely with our partners to invest in the operations infrastructure and personnel that will support our service, and continue fostering relationships with communities around the city,” said Nicole Gavel, head of global business development and strategic partnerships at Waymo.
“We’re committed to transparent, safety-first operations, and we can’t wait for Londoners to ride.”
Rival companies are lining up to join the fray.
Ride-hailing giant Uber has announced plans to launch driverless taxis in London with UK firm Wayve, whilst Chinese internet giant Baidu will launch a UK robotaxi service on rideshare app Lyft.
Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, which represents London’s more than 10,000 black cab drivers, said that robotaxis are not as autonomous “as sold” because they have human agents ready to step in remotely when things go wrong.
“What will happen with lost property, sick passengers, change of routes etc is a bit of a mystery as is the viability of the business model,” he told AFP.
California-based Waymo partnered with UK-based Jaguar Land Rover in 2018 to develop a self-driving electric car.
“Over the coming months we’ll work closely with our partners to invest in the operations infrastructure and personnel that will support our service, and continue fostering relationships with communities around the city,” said Nicole Gavel, head of global business development and strategic partnerships at Waymo.
“We’re committed to transparent, safety-first operations, and we can’t wait for Londoners to ride.”
Rival companies are lining up to join the fray.
Ride-hailing giant Uber has announced plans to launch driverless taxis in London with UK firm Wayve, whilst Chinese internet giant Baidu will launch a UK robotaxi service on rideshare app Lyft.
Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, which represents London’s more than 10,000 black cab drivers, said that robotaxis are not as autonomous “as sold” because they have human agents ready to step in remotely when things go wrong.
“What will happen with lost property, sick passengers, change of routes etc is a bit of a mystery as is the viability of the business model,” he told AFP.
Electric is the new hire: Why EV rentals are quietly taking over UK roads
By Dr. Tim Sandle
SCIENCE EDITOR
Nissan reported a positive full-year net profit for the first time in three years - Copyright AFP Charly TRIBALLEAU
Electric vehicles are rapidly moving from “nice-to-have” to standard across the UK car hire market, and renters are driving the shift. As fuel costs rise and low-emission zones expand, car rental companies are adding EVs and hybrids to their fleets at pace. Younger drivers, in particular, are embracing electric rentals, using them as a low-risk way to experience EV ownership without the long-term commitment.
Electric vehicles are no longer niche in the car rental market. As demand for sustainable travel grows, EVs and hybrids are rapidly becoming a core part of UK hire fleets, and renters are increasingly open to making the switch.
The UK car hire market is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation, according to a company called Self Drive Vehicle Hire. The company has provided some insights to Digital Journal on the subject.
The big change has been to the rental sector. Once dominated by petrol and diesel vehicles, rental fleets are now rapidly expanding their electric and low-emission options in response to changing driver expectations, rising fuel costs, and tightening environmental policies.
From city breaks to business travel, renting an electric car is no longer just a green statement, but an increasingly a practical and cost-effective choice.
What’s Driving the Rise of EV Rentals in the UK?
Several converging factors are accelerating the shift toward electric vehicles in the rental sector.
Converging factorsRising fuel costs have made electricity a more attractive alternative for short- and medium-term rentals.
Congestion charge exemptions and lower clean air zone fees benefit EV drivers in major UK cities.
Improved charging infrastructure has reduced range anxiety, particularly on motorways and in urban areas.
Younger drivers’ preferences are changing. Research from major rental providers such as Enterprise shows Gen Z UK drivers are more open to renting EVs than older generations.
For rental companies, EVs also offer long-term operational advantages, including lower maintenance costs and alignment with sustainability targets.
Thinking of Renting an Electric Car? What UK Drivers Should Know
Renting an EV is slightly different from hiring a traditional vehicle, but often simpler than people expect.
Key benefits include:Lower running costs compared to petrol or diesel
Automatic transmission as standard, making city driving easier
Access to low-emission zones without additional charges
Quiet, smooth driving experience, ideal for longer journeys
Who Is Renting EVs?
Electric rentals are proving popular across several groups:Urban travellers avoiding congestion and emissions charges
Business renters looking to reduce carbon footprints
Younger drivers curious about EV ownership without long-term commitment
Families seeking quiet, efficient vehicles for short breaks
For many, renting an EV is a “trial run” before committing to buying one.
Industry Trend: EVs as the Future of Self-Drive Hire
As the UK moves closer to its 2035 petrol and diesel phase-out, EVs are expected to become standard rather than optional in rental fleets. Hybrid and low-emission vehicles are acting as a transition step, helping drivers adjust gradually.
Car hire companies that invest early in EV infrastructure and customer education are better positioned to meet demand as regulations tighten and expectations evolve.
By Dr. Tim Sandle
SCIENCE EDITOR
DIGITAL JOURNAL
January 30, 2026
January 30, 2026
Nissan reported a positive full-year net profit for the first time in three years - Copyright AFP Charly TRIBALLEAU
Electric vehicles are rapidly moving from “nice-to-have” to standard across the UK car hire market, and renters are driving the shift. As fuel costs rise and low-emission zones expand, car rental companies are adding EVs and hybrids to their fleets at pace. Younger drivers, in particular, are embracing electric rentals, using them as a low-risk way to experience EV ownership without the long-term commitment.
Electric vehicles are no longer niche in the car rental market. As demand for sustainable travel grows, EVs and hybrids are rapidly becoming a core part of UK hire fleets, and renters are increasingly open to making the switch.
The UK car hire market is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation, according to a company called Self Drive Vehicle Hire. The company has provided some insights to Digital Journal on the subject.
The big change has been to the rental sector. Once dominated by petrol and diesel vehicles, rental fleets are now rapidly expanding their electric and low-emission options in response to changing driver expectations, rising fuel costs, and tightening environmental policies.
From city breaks to business travel, renting an electric car is no longer just a green statement, but an increasingly a practical and cost-effective choice.
What’s Driving the Rise of EV Rentals in the UK?
Several converging factors are accelerating the shift toward electric vehicles in the rental sector.
Converging factorsRising fuel costs have made electricity a more attractive alternative for short- and medium-term rentals.
Congestion charge exemptions and lower clean air zone fees benefit EV drivers in major UK cities.
Improved charging infrastructure has reduced range anxiety, particularly on motorways and in urban areas.
Younger drivers’ preferences are changing. Research from major rental providers such as Enterprise shows Gen Z UK drivers are more open to renting EVs than older generations.
For rental companies, EVs also offer long-term operational advantages, including lower maintenance costs and alignment with sustainability targets.
Thinking of Renting an Electric Car? What UK Drivers Should Know
Renting an EV is slightly different from hiring a traditional vehicle, but often simpler than people expect.
Key benefits include:Lower running costs compared to petrol or diesel
Automatic transmission as standard, making city driving easier
Access to low-emission zones without additional charges
Quiet, smooth driving experience, ideal for longer journeys
Who Is Renting EVs?
Electric rentals are proving popular across several groups:Urban travellers avoiding congestion and emissions charges
Business renters looking to reduce carbon footprints
Younger drivers curious about EV ownership without long-term commitment
Families seeking quiet, efficient vehicles for short breaks
For many, renting an EV is a “trial run” before committing to buying one.
Industry Trend: EVs as the Future of Self-Drive Hire
As the UK moves closer to its 2035 petrol and diesel phase-out, EVs are expected to become standard rather than optional in rental fleets. Hybrid and low-emission vehicles are acting as a transition step, helping drivers adjust gradually.
Car hire companies that invest early in EV infrastructure and customer education are better positioned to meet demand as regulations tighten and expectations evolve.
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