Austin’s leading robotaxi operator, Waymo, has faced criticism for noise pollution caused by generators used to charge its fleet of driverless robotaxis. Visitors to Austin's Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake have complained about the noise from the generators. A video circulating on Reddit shows an Apollo Energy Resources propane truck supplying fuel to several L-Charge generators at the parking lot of the Austin American-Statesman's former home. An Uber spokesperson said the company has installed custom sound barriers and is working on a permanent grid-connected site to support vehicle charging.
Waymo robotaxis became available to the public in March 2025 on the Uber app, with more than 300 robotaxis operating across 140 square miles of the Austin metro. The generators have been spotted for several months at the site, which is currently home to Base Power, a battery and energy storage startup founded by Zach Dell.