Waymo Might Use Hyundai IONIQ 5 Subsequent

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We’ve been ready for Waymo’s Zeekr next-gen robotaxis for some time now. And it’s a ravishing combo. I take advantage of photographs of Zeekr Waymo robotaxis each likelihood I get. Right here’s one other pair:

The issue is that Zeekr is a Chinese language EV firm, and Chinese language EV corporations are dealing with excessive blockage within the US, together with 100% tariffs. Waymo is reportedly engaged on a manner round this, however it doesn’t appear to be getting the TSA PreCheck therapy. Within the meantime …

There’s now a rumor out of Reuters that Waymo could purchase Hyundai IONIQ 5 autos for its next-gen Waymo Driver robotaxis. I wouldn’t hate that. The IONIQ 5 is among the coolest trying vehicles on the highway, it and the Kia EV6 can be my high two selections if I used to be going to purchase an EV tomorrow, and it’s bought a really sci-fi look that matches the function of a robotaxi. Additionally, certainly, we are able to rely on Hyundai being able to scale up manufacturing as wanted.

Waymo and Hyundai workers have reportedly met thrice about this potential deal. And the reporting signifies that the IONIQ 5 may very well be chosen as a substitute of the Zeekr mannequin. Waymo appears to disagree, although. The corporate supplied this assertion to Reuters:

“We’ll decline to touch upon hypothesis, however I can share that we’re arduous at work validating the Sixth-generation Waymo Driver on the Zeekr platform and intend to introduce it into our fleet when prepared.”

Zeekr additionally remark:

“There is no such thing as a change to Zeekr’s partnership with Waymo [and they are] actively working collectively to deploy the autos.”

Hmm….

Perhaps Waymo is planning to make use of autos from each corporations, and use the range of fashions or choices as safety in opposition to any disruptions brought on by tariffs, or blocked imports. At all times good to bake in somewhat threat aversion.

We will see. Within the meantime, take pleasure in these photos of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 with out the Waymo branding and simply image it with a Waymo wrap or paint job: