- Waymo will deploy around 100 Ojai robotaxis for select customers across three US cities.
- The Ojai introduces Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous driving system for broader geographic expansion.
Waymo announced on May 28 that it will begin deploying its new Ojai driverless taxi to selected customers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix over the coming weeks. The company stated that rides will initially be offered free of charge while it gathers operational feedback from passengers. Approximately 100 Ojai vehicles are expected to enter service during the initial rollout phase, with production planned to increase over time to complement the company's existing fleet of Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis operating across more than 10 cities.
The Ojai represents the first vehicle equipped with Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous driving platform. According to the company, the updated Waymo Driver system is designed to support operation in regions with more challenging winter weather conditions, including cities that experience significant snowfall. This capability is expected to support the company's planned robotaxi expansion into Detroit later in 2026.
The vehicle is produced through a cross-border manufacturing process involving both China and the United States. The base vehicle structure is manufactured by Geely in Ningbo, China. After initial production, unfinished vehicles are transported to Mesa, Arizona, where Waymo integrates its autonomous driving hardware and software systems. The same facility is currently used for the conversion and preparation of Jaguar I-Pace vehicles for robotaxi operations.
The Ojai minivan is based on the SEA-M architecture developed by Zeekr. SEA-M is an evolution of the company’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform and has been specifically refined for future mobility applications, including autonomous ride-hailing services and logistics-focused vehicles. The vehicle itself was designed in Sweden and developed to support emerging transportation models that rely on advanced autonomous technologies.
Key Details of the Waymo Ojai Deployment
The following table summarizes the major aspects of the Ojai robotaxi program and vehicle development strategy.
Waymo Ojai Robotaxi Program Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Deployment Cities | Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix |
| Initial Fleet Size | Around 100 Ojai Vehicles |
| Autonomous System | 6th-Generation Waymo Driver |
| Base Vehicle Manufacturer | Geely |
| Vehicle Platform | SEA-M Architecture |
| Future Expansion Target | Detroit in 2026 |
By introducing the Ojai platform, Waymo is broadening its robotaxi fleet beyond the Jaguar I-Pace while preparing for expansion into new operating environments. The integration of its latest autonomous driving technology, combined with a globally distributed manufacturing process and a mobility-focused vehicle platform, highlights the company’s strategy to scale autonomous transportation services across a wider range of cities and weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Waymo Ojai driverless taxi?
The Waymo Ojai is a new autonomous taxi vehicle introduced by Waymo as part of its robotaxi expansion strategy. It is the first vehicle to feature the company’s sixth-generation Waymo Driver autonomous system. Built on Zeekr’s SEA-M platform, the vehicle is specifically designed for future mobility applications such as autonomous ride-hailing and logistics services. Waymo plans to deploy the Ojai across multiple cities while collecting operational feedback and preparing for broader commercial expansion.
Where will the Waymo Ojai robotaxi operate initially?
Waymo will initially deploy the Ojai robotaxi for selected customers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. During the first phase, rides will be offered free of charge to gather passenger feedback and operational insights. The company plans to introduce around 100 vehicles at launch and gradually increase production. The rollout is part of a larger strategy to expand autonomous transportation services into additional cities, including Detroit, where service is planned later in 2026.
How is the Waymo Ojai manufactured?
The Ojai follows a multi-country manufacturing process involving China and the United States. Geely produces the base vehicle structure in Ningbo, China, after which the unfinished vehicles are shipped to Mesa, Arizona. At this facility, Waymo installs its autonomous driving hardware and software systems. This approach allows the company to combine vehicle manufacturing expertise with specialized autonomous technology integration before deploying the vehicles into robotaxi service.
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