Waymo's next-gen robotaxi now available in three cities
Alphabet's company expands autonomous fleet with cheaper, modular Ojai model.
1Next-gen robotaxi hits the market
Waymo has opened its new Ojai model robotaxis to all users in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco. The initial fleet of 300 vehicles provides an alternative to existing Jaguar I-Pace based models. Expansion to Denver, Las Vegas, and San Diego is planned by end of 2026. The Ojai features Waymo's sixth-generation autonomous driving system.
2Cost efficiency focus
Produced on Zeekr's SEA-M platform, Ojai models have 40% lower production costs than Jaguar vehicles. Chinese-made vehicles face 25% import tariffs when entering the US. Waymo integrates autonomous systems at its Arizona factory. Modular design allows adaptation to different vehicle types.
3Technological upgrades
Ojai models feature Google's Gemini AI as an in-car assistant. The redesigned user interface improves passenger accessibility. According to MoffettNathanson data, 725 Ojai vehicles were imported to the US in July 2026. The target is 5,000 vehicles by end of 2026 - more than double the current fleet.
4Industry positioning
Waymo currently operates in 11 US cities. The company focuses on mass scale to achieve profitability. The partnership with Zeekr, started in 2021, progressed from prototype to mass production. The SEA-M platform was specifically developed for robotaxis and delivery vehicles, prioritizing durability for continuous use.
5Consumer experience
Users currently get randomly matched with either Ojai or Jaguar vehicles. Choice option will be available when fleet reaches sufficient size. The new model emphasizes passenger accessibility and comfort-focused design. Waymo data shows Ojai's maintenance costs are 30% lower than Jaguars.
6Manufacturing process
Zeekr vehicles imported from China arrive stripped of connected car technologies. Autonomous hardware and software are added at the Arizona facility. The production line has capacity for 150 vehicles weekly. Despite tariffs, unit costs show 15-20% savings.
7Market impact
The autonomous taxi market grew 67% in 2026. Waymo aims to gain cost advantage in competition with Cruise and Zoox. Analysts predict Ojai will capture 40% market share by 2027. Consumer research indicates strong interest from price-sensitive segments.
8Future projections
Waymo's 2027 strategy targets expansion to 20 cities and 1 million daily riders. Modular platform enables easy transition between vehicle classes. Industry experts note Chinese production will test US EV policies. The robotaxi market is projected to reach $500 billion by 2030.
Original article: TechCrunch — Waymo'nun yeni nesil robotaksi hizmeti üç şehirde başladı