Waymo reportedly talking with Hyundai about Ioniq 5 self-driving taxis

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 may grow to be Waymo’s subsequent self-driving taxi, deploying a brand new technology of the Google spinoff’s Waymo Driver autonomous-driving system, Reuters experiences.

Officers from Wayne and Hyundai have met greater than 3 times to debate use of the Ioniq 5 in Waymo’s self-driving tax service, based on the report, which additionally states that the Ioniq 5 would substitute automobiles based mostly on a platform from Chinese language automaker Zeekr.

Waymo robotaxi based mostly on the Zeekr SEA-M platform

Waymo revealed a self-driving taxi based mostly 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 attributable to take impact September 27.

In a press release to Reuters, Waymo stated it was nonetheless “exhausting at work validating the Sixth-generation Waymo Driver on the Zeekr platform,” whereas Zeekr instructed the outlet that there’s “no change” in its partnership with Waymo. Hyundai stated “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 automobiles 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-Pace electrical SUV.

The Ioniq 5 was beforehand slated to grow to be a self-driving taxi below 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.