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Waymo's New Robotaxi Unveiled for Public Rides
28 May
Summary
- Waymo is launching a new, purpose-built autonomous vehicle for robotaxi services.
- The Ojai vehicle is a four-seat minivan developed in partnership with Geely's Zeekr.
- Initial rides will be offered free to gather user feedback before expansion.
Alphabet's Waymo unit has introduced a new, purpose-built autonomous vehicle for its robotaxi service, named Ojai. This four-seat minivan is set to begin offering public rides in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix without a human driver.
The Ojai is a product of Waymo's partnership with Zeekr, an arm of China-based Geely Automobile Holdings, announced in 2021. This collaboration highlights Western companies increasingly partnering with Chinese automakers, despite US trade policies.
The vehicle was designed in Sweden and built on an electric platform imported from China. Waymo then integrates its autonomous driving system at its assembly facility in Mesa, Arizona, with plans to scale production significantly.
This purpose-built vehicle aims to enhance economic efficiency and the customer experience with a roomier cabin and accessibility features. Waymo is currently increasing production at its Arizona plant to tens of thousands of vehicles annually.
Initial rides in the Ojai will be complimentary, allowing Waymo to gather crucial user feedback. The company plans to introduce the vehicle in markets with favorable weather and well-tested traffic conditions, following recent service suspensions in other US cities due to weather-related incidents.
