Waymo launches Ojai robotaxi with sixth-generation AI in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix

Waymo Introduces Purpose-Built Autonomous Vehicle for Public Rides

Alphabet Inc.'s Waymo has started offering members of the public rides in its new Ojai robotaxi, marking a significant shift from adapting human-driven cars to deploying a purpose-built autonomous vehicle 1

1

. The pale-blue boxy minivans, pronounced "oh hai," are now available in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, with initial rides offered free of charge 1

1

. Select riders can express interest through Waymo's app and will receive notifications when the opportunity becomes available 2

2

.

The Ojai robotaxi represents a departure from Waymo's nearly decade-long practice of testing autonomous driving technology in vehicles originally designed for human drivers, such as the Chrysler Pacifica hybrid and the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace 1

1

. Named after the arts-focused Ventura County village, this new fleet signals Waymo's ambition to scale operations across diverse markets and challenging environments.

Sixth-Generation Waymo Driver Powers Enhanced Capabilities

The deployment introduces the sixth-generation Waymo Driver, which leverages breakthroughs in AI and combines inputs from 13 cameras, six radar systems, and four lidar sensors 1

1

. This self-driving technology has already completed over 20 million fully autonomous trips across more than 11 cities 3

3

. The new generation enables operations in snowier conditions and can detect more details while gauging objects in a variety of lighting and weather conditions 2

2

3

3

.

Waymo's vice president of engineering, Satish Jeyachandran, emphasized that the system is "designed for long-term growth across multiple vehicle platforms" and should allow expansion into different environments, including ones with brutal winters—historically a technical challenge for autonomous systems 1

1

. The company currently operates in 11 US markets and plans to launch in at least 20 different new regions, including London and Tokyo 1

1

.

Spacious Design and Accessibility Features Define User Experience

The Ojai offers substantially more interior space than its Jaguar predecessor, featuring a flat floor, increased legroom, higher ceilings, and dual-sliding doors that provide easier entry and exit 2

2

. The vehicle can seat up to four passengers and includes practical amenities like charging ports and cup holders 1

1

.

Accessibility features include embedded braille on some buttons, screen-reader compatibility, low step-in height, grab bars, and a seat-integrated handle for entering and exiting 2

2

3

3

. The cabin features three large LED screens that allow riders to control temperature and entertainment 3

3

. While not wheelchair-accessible, the vehicle's flat floor and design elements make it more accommodating for people with disabilities 1

1

.

Waymo emphasizes operational efficiency improvements, noting that the vehicle charges more quickly and features a modular design that makes repairs easier 1

1

. The cabin is also easier to clean, addressing practical concerns for high-volume robotaxi operations 1

1

.

Chinese Manufacturing Partnership Raises Questions

This Chinese-made robotaxi is a modified version of a mobility platform produced by Geely, a leading Chinese new-energy vehicle manufacturer 1

1

. Specifically, the vehicle shell is built by Geely sub-brand Zeekr, which has sold cars internationally since 2023 across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America—but notably not in the US market where these Ojai vehicles will operate 1

1

.

The bare-bones vehicles are manufactured in China and shipped to Waymo's factory in Mesa, Arizona, where US-built autonomous systems are installed 1

1

3

3

. Waymo spokesperson Sandy Karp says the company is building toward producing tens of thousands of driverless-ready vehicles annually at this Arizona facility 1

1

.

Waymo maintains that the partnership doesn't violate Biden administration rules finalized in January that bar Chinese- and Russian-connected vehicle tech from US roads starting in 2027, because Zeekr only manufactures the base vehicle without any telematics or connected software systems 1

1

. However, the company has received criticism from politicians, with one Republican senator at a February congressional hearing criticizing Waymo for "getting in bed with China" 1

1

.

Expansion Plans Amid Operational Challenges

Waymo's new Ojai rollout comes at a complex moment for the company. The self-driving vehicle developer shut down service in six US cities last week due to issues with how its vehicles react to flooding 1

1

. Additionally, Waymo has suspended its highway driving program due to concerns about operations near construction zones 1

1

.

Despite these setbacks, Waymo plans to expand the Ojai to Denver, Las Vegas, and San Diego before opening the service more broadly later this year 3

3

. Waymo employees have been taking fully autonomous rides in the Ojai for months before the public rollout, providing internal testing and feedback 3

3

. The modular design of the Ojai also allows for future modifications, including the potential removal of the steering wheel to seat an additional passenger 2

2

.