tech
Waymo's newest robotaxi is Chinese-made, built to make money, and now accepting riders
The launch of the Ojai minivan robotaxi comes after years of development and testing, but arrives amid a challenging time for Waymo.
TL;DR
- Waymo is now offering rides in its new all-electric robotaxi, the Ojai, to select riders in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco.
- The Ojai is a modified minivan developed in partnership with Zeekr, owned by China's Geely Holding Group.
- The vehicle is designed for lower costs, easier maintenance, and greater rider comfort, featuring a modular design and Waymo's sixth-generation system.
- This launch follows Waymo's recent suspension of robotaxi services in several cities due to operational issues, such as navigating construction zones and flooding.
- Waymo plans to scale production of the Ojai and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 to tens of thousands of units annually.