Waymo Has A Charging Problem

"That area is also home to two charging hubs for the fast-growing autonomous taxi service Waymo, and it's where neighbors have been dealing with overnight commotion for months. As the AVs return home from their driving shifts, local folks have been subjected to constant beeping from reverse sensors, noise from charging equipment, cleaning, traffic congestion and flashing lights, according to local news reports."

"But residents scored a victory against their noisy autonomous neighbor this week. The Santa Monica City Council unanimously voted to order Waymo to halt overnight charging operations at the outdoor depots. "The City has received many complaints from neighboring residents regarding the Broadway Lots, and particularly that the overnight operations of the lots are very disruptive to their sleep, peace and quiet, and enjoyment of their homes," city officials wrote in a letter to the Google-owned AV service."

"It's unclear whether Waymo or its Virginia-based charging operator, Volterra, intends to comply. Earlier this week, the Los Angeles Times reported that neither planned to, saying city officials misunderstood their existing permit rights. "In response to neighbors' feedback, we adjusted our operations at the site, and we'll continue to seek community input," Waymo officials told the newspaper without addressing the order directl"

Residents around Broadway and 14th Street in Santa Monica have experienced nighttime disturbances from Waymo charging hubs, including constant beeping from reverse sensors, charging equipment noise, cleaning activity, traffic congestion, and flashing lights. As many as 56 autonomous vehicles charge at two outdoor depots in the area. The Santa Monica City Council unanimously ordered Waymo to halt overnight charging operations at the outdoor lots, citing multiple complaints that overnight operations disrupt sleep, peace, and enjoyment of homes. Waymo and its Virginia-based charging operator, Volterra, indicated they may not comply and stated that operations were adjusted and community input would continue.

Read at insideevs.com