FOX Weather reported on November 5, 2026, that Waymo planned closed-course winter evaluations in Fairbanks, Alaska, using vehicles identified by Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy as Ojai and Hyundai IONIQ. The planned work would collect data in heavy snow to refine cold-weather capabilities, with ice and extended darkness also among the conditions named.
What the Fairbanks plan covers
The evaluations were planned for a closed course, and the report did not give a start date. Dunleavy named Ojai and Hyundai IONIQ vehicles; no specific IONIQ model was identified. NeoTeo previously covered a separate Waymo testing plan in Madrid.
The planned Fairbanks evaluations focus on several winter stresses at once: heavy snow, ice and extended darkness.
Waymo’s winter systems and regional approach
Waymo described its sixth-generation Driver as using cameras, radar and lidar, with built-in heaters and micro-wipers to help keep sensors clear in icy conditions. FOX Weather attributed that system description to Waymo; it was not a result from the planned Fairbanks evaluations.
In a separate overview of its winter-weather preparations, Waymo says conditions vary by city, citing icy streets in Denver and atmospheric rivers in California. The company frames preparation for severe weather as part of growing its fleet responsibly.
