Waymo has started testing a new robotaxi model on the public roads of San Francisco, developed in partnership with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Zeekr. Currently, Waymo has a small fleet of these vehicles, which are not yet operating autonomously. The launch marks a significant step in Waymo’s journey toward advancing its autonomous vehicle technology.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Model | Custom-built robotaxi, resembling Zeekr 009 minivan |
| Current Fleet Size | Less than a handful |
| Hardware Generation | Sixth-generation, designed for cost-effectiveness and winter conditions |
| Testing Locations | San Francisco, with plans for more wintry and hot climates |
The new vehicle is equipped with Waymo’s sixth-generation hardware, which includes more affordable sensors capable of operating in winter environments. Waymo’s current commercial robotaxi operations utilize Jaguar I-Paces retrofitted with fifth-generation hardware, which has proven challenging for group rides due to limited space.
Waymo spokesperson Sandy Karp highlighted the company’s focus on expanding its Waymo One ride-hailing service in cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin. The sixth-generation hardware is crucial for scaling operations and introducing the service to colder cities. The company plans to continue testing in winter conditions and will soon test in another cold climate.
The Zeekr vehicles, manufactured in China and engineered in Sweden, contain no Zeekr-produced software or sensors. Waymo integrates its proprietary Driver technology into these base vehicles in the United States. Despite concerns about Chinese-made connected vehicles, Waymo assured that its Zeekr vehicles do not include any driving automation or telematics capabilities from Zeekr.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission oversee the regulations for testing and deploying autonomous vehicles. As per current regulations, Waymo may need to apply for new permits if they plan to test the Zeekr vehicles autonomously. The Zeekr prototype includes a removable steering wheel, with the goal of eventually operating without one.
Featured Image courtesy of Time
Follow us for more updates on Waymo.