Summary
- Waymo and Hyundai will partner to bring American-made Hyundai Ioniq 5 EVs to Waymo’s autonomous taxi fleet
- On-road testing of the Ioniq 5 EVs with Waymo’s autonomous driving technology will start in late 2025
- The vehicles will be built in Hyundai’s Georgia EV manufacturing facility and fitted with Waymo’s autonomous technology
- The Ioniq 5 EVs provide overlapping, 360-degree fields of view for the car’s computers to detect objects up to 1,640 feet away
- Waymo previously used Zeekr-made minivans with the same sensor suite, but the new partnership with Hyundai eliminates potential issues with import tariffs and Chinese-made software
Article
Waymo’s partnership with Hyundai will result in the production of American-made Ioniq 5 electric vehicles for the autonomous taxi company’s fleet. Scheduled to begin on-road testing by late 2025, the collaboration will see Hyundai fitting the cars with autonomous-ready modifications before integration with Waymo’s sixth-generation Driver hardware and software. This move comes as Waymo seeks to expand its robotaxi venture and improve road safety in the areas where it operates.
The autonomous driving system in the upcoming Ioniq 5 EVs is the same as that used in Zeekr-developed driverless minivans, equipped with an array of sensors for enhanced detection capabilities. With a design featuring 13 cameras, 6 radars, 4 lidar sensors, and audio receivers, the system offers 360-degree fields of view for the vehicle’s computers. This assists in object detection at distances of up to 1,640 feet, while also being adaptable to various weather conditions and terrains through modular component replacements.
The introduction of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 electric crossovers into Waymo’s fleet marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between the two companies. This venture aims to significantly bolster Waymo’s robotaxi operations and leverage Hyundai’s EV manufacturing facility in Georgia for vehicle production. The Ioniq 5, described as an ideal choice for scaling Waymo’s transformative technology, will be utilized for customer rides in the future as part of Waymo’s ongoing expansion efforts.
Notably, the Zeekr-made Waymo minivan uses the same sensor suite as the upcoming Ioniq 5 robotaxi. While delivering the minivan to the US for sensor installation presents challenges due to import tariffs and software restrictions, partnering with Hyundai for on-site production eliminates these concerns. The decision to move production to the US ensures a smoother integration of the Ioniq 5 EVs into Waymo’s fleet, enabling the company to continue offering driverless taxi rides across various cities.
Waymo currently utilizes Jaguar I-Pace electric crossovers for its driverless taxi services, but the model has been discontinued by Jaguar. With the I-Pace inventory dwindling, Waymo’s ability to add new vehicles to its fleet or replace damaged ones is becoming increasingly problematic. However, spare parts will remain available for a limited period. By transitioning to the American-made Hyundai Ioniq 5 EVs, Waymo secures a sustainable vehicle supply for its autonomous taxi operations, laying the foundation for long-term growth and service expansion.
In summary, the new partnership between Waymo and Hyundai signifies a strategic move towards advancing autonomous driving technology and expanding Waymo’s robotaxi services in the United States. With the production of American-made Ioniq 5 EVs scheduled to begin in late 2025, Waymo is positioned to enhance road safety and offer more seamless, reliable autonomous rides to customers. Through this collaborative effort, both companies are poised to explore additional opportunities for collaboration while ensuring a sustainable and efficient vehicle supply chain for Waymo’s future operations.
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