Waymo puts Zeekr-built Ojai robotaxis into regular service
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Waymo puts Zeekr-built Ojai robotaxis into regular service
Waymo is using its new generation of robotaxis for paid rides for the first time. The Zeekr-built electric vans are initially operating in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix, equipped with Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous driving system.
Following a limited test phase with free rides, Waymo has now put its Zeekr-built robotaxis, known as ‘Ojai,’ into regular passenger service. Customers in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix who book a ride through Waymo’s ride-hailing service will initially be assigned either an Ojai or one of the Jaguar I-Pace vehicles already in use. Once more of the new vehicles join the fleet, customers will be able to choose between the two models.
The electric vans are built by Zeekr, a subsidiary of the Chinese Geely Group. They feature sliding doors and can carry up to four passengers. According to Waymo, the vehicles are better suited to groups and families than the Jaguar I-Pace, which has formed part of its fleet for years.
However, the vehicles do not arrive from China fully equipped. Zeekr ships them to the US without connected vehicle technology, with Waymo installing its autonomous driving system in Arizona. According to media reports, the sixth-generation system uses 13 cameras, four lidar sensors and six radar sensors. Waymo has also further developed the software, which is expected to operate more reliably in challenging conditions such as snow and fog.
According to a company spokesperson, around 300 Ojai robotaxis are currently in service. Waymo expects thousands more to arrive in the US by the end of 2026. Later this year, the company also plans to make the new generation available to selected users in Denver, Las Vegas and San Diego.
Las Vegas, in particular, is set to become one of Waymo’s next key markets. The Nevada Department of Transportation has approved the company to operate a commercial robotaxi service with up to 1,000 vehicles in Clark County. Tesla and Uber recently received similar approvals in the region. However, these figures represent maximum fleet sizes and do not necessarily reflect the number of vehicles the companies will actually deploy.
The new vehicle generation is also important for Waymo from a cost perspective. The Zeekr vans are expected to be cheaper to purchase and operate than the Jaguar I-Pace, despite higher US import tariffs on vehicles manufactured in China. With the start of paid rides, the new platform is now entering regular customer service and is set to underpin the further expansion of Waymo’s fleet.
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- electrive (2026-08-25) - Original article: Waymo puts Zeekr-built Ojai robotaxis into regular service