The Hyundai Ioniq 5 may change into Waymo’s subsequent self-driving taxi, deploying a brand new technology of the Google spinoff’s Waymo Driver autonomous-driving system, Reuters reviews.
Officers from Wayne and Hyundai have met greater than thrice to debate use of the Ioniq 5 in Waymo’s self-driving tax service, in line with the report, which additionally states that the Ioniq 5 would substitute autos primarily based on a platform from Chinese language automaker Zeekr.
Waymo robotaxi primarily based on the Zeekr SEA-M platform
Waymo revealed a self-driving taxi primarily based on the Zeekr SEA-M platform in 2022, however since then the Biden administration has imposed a 100% tariff on Chinese language-made EVs, that are resulting from take impact September 27.
In an announcement to Reuters, Waymo mentioned it was nonetheless “onerous at work validating the Sixth-generation Waymo Driver on the Zeekr platform,” whereas Zeekr informed the outlet that there’s “no change” in its partnership with Waymo. Hyundai mentioned “nothing is decided at this stage about new companies.”
Hyundai Ioniq 5 self-driving automotive
Whereas Waymo as soon as deployed a small fleet of purpose-built self-driving vehicles for testing functions, it is relied on autos from established automakers because it seeks to commercialize its tech. These have all been plug-in vehicles, together with the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid plug-in hybrid minivan and Jaguar I-Tempo electrical SUV.
The Ioniq 5 was beforehand slated to change into a self-driving taxi beneath Motional, a three way partnership between Hyundai and automotive provider Aptiv. Motional revealed an autonomous Ioniq 5 prototype in 2021, with plans to launch a “robotaxi” service in 2023. However TechCrunch reported in Could that Motional was pushing again the business launch to 2026 because it underwent a restructuring. A Hyundai/Waymo partnership may very well be a wedding of comfort for each side.
