Waymo tests self-driving cars in Fairbanks climate

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) - Waymo cars have been spotted in the Fairbanks area, with a post on the Fairbanks, Alaska Facebook page claiming to show them charging at electric vehicle ports in the Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA) parking lot.

In response to an email from Alaska’s News Source, Chris Bonelli, Product Communications Manager with Waymo, sent out a statement.

“Similar to other winter road trips we’ve done, we are be doing manual data collection, autonomous driving with a specialist at the wheel, and limited structured testing in Fairbanks.

We’ve been a winter testing ground for a long time through FEDC (Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation) and the programs that they have,” City of Fairbanks Mayor Mindy O’Neall said.

Community member Charlie Woolwine expressed concern over the idea of self-driving cars on Fairbanks roads.