Dive Brief:
- Waymo will introduce its first purpose-built robotaxis in San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles in the coming weeks, the company said in a May 28 press release.
- The vehicles feature wide, sliding doors; a low step-in height and flat floor; three rider-customizable LED screens and charging ports.
- Rides will be free for select riders in those cities for a limited time, allowing Waymo to gather rider feedback, Waymo spokesperson Sandy Karp told Smart Cities Dive in an email.
Dive Insight:
A software system that performs better in snowier conditions is key to the new vehicle, called Ojai. “You’ll see the Ojai appearing in more cities soon, with a special focus on those that experience more extreme winter conditions,” Karp said.
Waymo has tested in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Denver and other northern cities in snowy conditions, primarily with its Jaguar I-PACE vehicles, which it builds in a Mesa, Arizona, factory in partnership with global automotive supplier Magna. The new vehicles will be built in China by Zeekr, with final assembly of autonomous systems taking place in the Mesa facility.
The Ojai vehicle offers more accessible features than the Jaguars, including a flat floor, grab bars and Braille signage, according to Waymo. “The Ojai also features operational improvements, including easier-to-clean interiors, faster charging, increased battery capacity, and a more modular design for efficient maintenance and repairs,” Karp said.
Amazon-owned Zoox already operates purpose-built vehicles in Las Vegas and San Francisco, with Miami and Austin, Texas, to be added soon. These vehicles do not include typical driver controls, such as a steering wheel, which the Waymo Ojai does.
