Waymo has officially named its new robotaxi van Ojai, which will begin offering public rides this year. Vehicle represents Waymo’s 6-gen autonomous technology and marks a shift in the company’s fleet strategy. Built by Chinese automaker Zeekr, Ojai van arrives as Waymo expands operations across more than 20 cities while managing cost pressures from tariffs.
The Ojai van incorporates Waymo’s 6-gen hardware with 13 cameras, six radars, and four LiDAR systems. What sets this generation apart? Weather-proofing. Sensors include heaters, wipers, and sprayers to maintain functionality in challenging conditions. Capability matters for markets like Denver and Minneapolis, where snow and ice can compromise sensor performance.
Zeekr manufactures the base vehicle in China before importing it to the United States. Waymo then retrofits the sixth-generation autonomous hardware at its facility in Arizona. Allows Waymo to separate vehicle manufacturing from sensor integration, giving the company flexibility in sourcing.
Waymo isn’t limiting itself to vans. Hyundai Ioniq 5 crossovers will join the fleet soon, replacing the pricier Jaguar I-PACE vehicles currently in service. Hyundai option reportedly costs around $42k, significantly less than previous fleet vehicles. Price difference matters when scaling operations.
Spokesman Chris Bonelli explained the multi-vehicle approach: deploying every ride they can helps Waymo scale quickly across its expanding footprint. Strategy offers riders different vehicle types based on their needs, roomier vans for groups and standard crossovers for everyday trips.
Chinese import tariffs add expenses to the Zeekr-built Ojai vans, creating financial pressure even as Waymo reduces per-vehicle costs through partnerships with manufacturers like Hyundai. The company’s ability to adapt its sensor technology to almost any vehicle platform provides optionality. Waymo can select vehicles based on price point, market requirements, and operational variables rather than being locked into a single manufacturer.
Waymo Ojai van has already hit the streets of Las Vegas, where autonomous vehicles increasingly serve the Strip. Waymo’s presence in Las Vegas demonstrates the company’s focus on tourist-heavy markets where demand for rides remains consistent. As the fleet grows, the question becomes whether Waymo can maintain service quality while managing the complexity of multiple vehicle types and sensor configurations.
Related Post
Waymo Vehicles Freeze During SF Power Outage, Released an Official Statement
Waymo Partners With DoorDash for Autonomous Food Delivery in Phoenix – What You Need to Know
Elon on Waymo: “Never really had a chance against Tesla” Waymo Details AI Safety Strategy