KATHMANDU : Waymo has opened its next-generation Ojai robotaxi to the public in three US cities; San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix.
The Ojai is based on an electric vehicle built by Zeekr, the premium EV brand owned by China’s Geely Holding Group. Waymo started limited Ojai rides in May and has now moved to commercial operations.
The Ojai is a purpose-built robotaxi with a spacious, van-style cabin. It features a flat floor, wide doors, extra legroom and headroom, passenger screens, charging ports and accessibility features.
While the base vehicle is made by Zeekr, Waymo installs its own autonomous driving hardware and software. The sixth-generation Waymo Driver uses cameras, lidar and radar to operate the vehicle without a human driver.
Waymo says the new system has fewer sensors and lower hardware costs than its previous generation. The company is also preparing the Ojai for wider fleet deployment.
The Ojai is currently available when a vehicle is nearby. Waymo plans to eventually let passengers choose between the Ojai and its existing Jaguar I-PACE robotaxis.
The company also plans to expand Ojai service to Denver, San Diego and Las Vegas later this year.
