The all-electric, self-driving ride-sharing vehicle will be built by Waymo and Chinese automaker Geely. In the years to come, the companies will integrate Waymo Driver into the vehicles.
The partnership signals that Waymo is pursuing a multi- platform approach to partnerships, even though they are not providing a specific time frame for either the start of production or when these vehicles are expected to hit the streets. Jaguar I-Paces and Chrysler Pacifica hybrid are the vehicles that are in the ride-hail fleet. The company has expanded its partnership with Stellantis to include local delivery services. The company's existing partnerships shouldn't be affected by the plans with Geely.
The first premium model of the luxury EV brand, a sleek crossover, was launched in China last month. The custom designed and engineered version of the Waymo version is in Sweden. Once they are shipped to the U.S., the company will integrate its Driver, which includes hardware like lidar, sensors and cameras, as well as software, into the vehicles and deploy them within its ride-sharing fleet.
The B-pillarless design of the Zeekr vehicles makes it easy to enter and exit, with a flat floor for more accessible entry. The interior of the car will not include a steering wheel or pedals, but it will have plenty of head and legroom to stretch out and relax, with reclining seats and screens within arm's reach.
