Waymo retires Firefly autonomous test cars to focus on Pacifica fleet
Waymo has ended testing with its distinctive Firefly self-driving pods, shifting all autonomous development to modified Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids.
Waymo has decommissioned its entire fleet of Firefly autonomous vehicles, the distinctive two-seater pods that became the public face of Google’s early self-driving car experiments. The company will now focus its development efforts on its larger fleet of modified Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans.
The Firefly vehicles, introduced in 2014 under Google’s self-driving project, were designed from the ground up for autonomy. With no steering wheel or pedals, their egg-shaped bodies and limited top speed made them a symbol of the company’s ambitions for a future without human drivers. The pods were never intended for mass production, serving instead as rolling laboratories for software and sensor development.
Why Waymo is moving on from Firefly
Waymo’s decision to retire the Firefly fleet reflects a shift towards vehicles that can be integrated into existing regulatory frameworks and manufacturing processes. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans, which Waymo began deploying in 2016, retain conventional controls, allowing them to operate legally on public roads and making them more practical for large-scale autonomous trials.
The company cited the need to test its technology in vehicles that resemble production cars as a reason for the transition. The Pacifica fleet, now numbering in the hundreds, is equipped with the latest suite of Waymo’s sensors and software, enabling wider deployment and more complex real-world testing.
What happens to the Firefly cars?
Following their retirement, some Firefly vehicles are expected to be preserved for educational and promotional purposes, while others will not return to public roads. The move marks the end of Google’s only in-house vehicle design, as Waymo now relies on partnerships with established automakers.
Waymo’s strategy now focuses on scaling up autonomous testing and deployment using vehicles that meet current safety regulations and consumer expectations. The company’s work with the Pacifica fleet is a step towards commercial self-driving services, as the technology matures and regulatory barriers are addressed.
For more on Google’s broader approach to developing autonomous cars with industry partners, seeGoogle Says Its Ready to Jointly Develop Autonomous Cars with Automakers.
