Waymo, the Alphabet-owned leader in driverless robotaxis, is being held up by a delayed ruling from a California regulator, meaning it cannot yet expand into new parts of Northern and Southern California or charge passengers for rides in its new vehicle. As a result of this regulatory quirk, riders can currently travel in Waymo's new pale-blue, purpose-built "Ojai" taxi free of charge, potentially until at least the end of September. The company continues to charge for trips in its Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis, which still make up the bulk of its fleet.

Unlike states with lighter oversight, California requires approval from both the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) before robotaxis can carry paying passengers. Waymo applied in January to expand its service area and add Ojai cars, but the process has drawn controversy: in May the CPUC sought more detail on how Waymo handles emergencies — such as December's San Francisco power outage that stranded more than 60 vehicles — and how it prevents unaccompanied minors from riding, after a ride-hail drivers' union filed a complaint. The review has now been extended to 25 September. The Ojai, built by Chinese firm Zeekr but fitted with US-made connected systems, carries 13 cameras, six radar systems and four lidar sensors, and Waymo says it sidesteps an incoming ban on Chinese automotive tech because only its shell is made abroad.