Summary
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 may become Waymo’s next self-driving taxi
- Waymo and Hyundai have met multiple times to discuss using Ioniq 5
- The Ioniq 5 would replace vehicles based on a Chinese automaker’s platform due to new tariffs
- Waymo and Zeekr are still working on validating Waymo Driver on the platform
- Hyundai and Waymo partnership could benefit both sides in the self-driving taxi market.
Article
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is being considered by Waymo as the next vehicle for its self-driving taxi fleet. Waymo, a Google spinoff, has met with Hyundai officials multiple times to discuss the use of the Ioniq 5 in their autonomous driving service. This new vehicle would replace the current fleet based on a platform from Chinese automaker Zeekr. Waymo had previously revealed a self-driving taxi based on the Zeekr SEA-M platform in 2022, but a 100% tariff on Chinese-made EVs imposed by the Biden administration may impact this plan.
Waymo is currently working on validating its 6th-generation Waymo Driver on the Zeekr platform, despite the uncertainty caused by the tariff. There has been no change reported in the partnership between Waymo and Zeekr, with both companies continuing to work together. Hyundai has stated that nothing is finalized at this stage regarding new business opportunities. The potential partnership with Waymo could provide an opportunity for Hyundai to expand its presence in the autonomous driving market.
Waymo has previously relied on vehicles from established automakers, such as the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and Jaguar I-Pace, for its self-driving taxi service. The shift to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 would mark a departure from these previous collaborations. The Ioniq 5 was originally intended to be part of Motional’s self-driving taxi service, a joint venture between Hyundai and Aptiv. However, delays in the launch of the service led to a restructuring, prompting Waymo to consider the Ioniq 5 as an alternative for its fleet.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a promising choice for Waymo, as it offers a mix of advanced technology and design that aligns with the company’s goals for its self-driving taxi service. Waymo is focused on leveraging the latest advancements in autonomous driving technology to improve safety and efficiency. The collaboration between Hyundai and Waymo could lead to a mutually beneficial partnership, as Hyundai gains access to Waymo’s self-driving expertise while Waymo expands its fleet of autonomous vehicles.
The potential partnership between Hyundai and Waymo highlights the evolving landscape of the self-driving taxi industry, with established automakers and technology companies seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for autonomous transportation. By integrating the Hyundai Ioniq 5 into its fleet, Waymo is positioning itself as a leader in the autonomous driving space. The partnership could pave the way for further collaborations between automakers and technology companies, as they work together to bring self-driving technology to the mainstream.
Overall, the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s potential inclusion in Waymo’s self-driving taxi fleet represents a significant development in the autonomous driving industry. With Waymo’s expertise in self-driving technology and Hyundai’s cutting-edge vehicle design, the collaboration could pave the way for future innovations in autonomous transportation. As the industry continues to evolve, partnerships between automakers and technology companies will play a crucial role in shaping the future of self-driving technology.
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