Waymo Self-Driving Cars Torched Amid LA Protests

At least six Waymo self-driving vehicles were damaged or destroyed in Los Angeles during protests against federal immigration raids, Jessica Mathews reported for Fortune Tech.

The company suspended downtown service but continued operations in greater Los Angeles. I Photo: Waymo

Videos widely shared online showed demonstrators smashing windshields, climbing atop the cars, and torching several Waymo robotaxis. Lime electric scooters were also vandalized in the downtown area, where the protests have been concentrated.

The Los Angeles Police Department warned the public to avoid the area due to toxic fumes from burning electric vehicle batteries.

All affected Waymo vehicles — Jaguar I-Pace SUVs equipped with lidar and radar — are fully electric and valued between $150,000 and $200,000 each, according to analysts.

A Waymo spokesperson said no passengers or employees were harmed, and riders had exited the vehicles before the attacks.

The company suspended downtown service but continued operations in greater Los Angeles. Both Waymo and Lime declined to comment on the total cost of the damage.