Alphabet’s self-driving car company Waymo is partnering with Chinese automaker Geely to create a fleet of all-electric, self-driving robotaxis.
Waymo announced its partnership with Geely to create a fleet of all-electric, self-driving robotaxis. The cars will be designed in Sweden, where Geely owns Swedish carmaker Volvo and will be adapted from Geely’s all-electric five-door Zeekr. Waymo will then outfit the cars with the hardware and software necessary for autonomous driving.
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Waymo said that it plans to deploy the vehicles in the US as part of its existing fleet of self-driving robotaxis “in the years to come”, with future models having an interior without a steering wheel or pedals.
Waymo will integrate Waymo Driver into the transportation-as-a-service (TaaS)-optimized Zeekr vehicle designed to prioritize the comfort, convenience, and preferences of Waymo One riders, especially for autonomous ride-hailing.
This rider-first vehicle will feature a flat floor for more accessible entry, easy ingress and egress thanks to a B-pillarless design, low step-in height, generous head and legroom, and fully adjustable seats.
Waymo has also partnered with Stellantis and Jaguar Land Rover to deploy and develop its autonomous capabilities, while Geely plans to take Volvo public as an all-electric company, after doing the same with its new Polestar brand.
