Waymo Could Use Hyundai IONIQ 5 Subsequent – CleanTechnica – Uplaza

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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 photos 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 firms are dealing with excessive blockage within the US, together with 100% tariffs. Waymo is reportedly engaged on a method round this, but it surely doesn’t appear to be getting the TSA PreCheck remedy. 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 without doubt one of the coolest trying automobiles on the highway, it and the Kia EV6 could 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, indubitably, we will depend on Hyundai being able to scale up manufacturing as wanted.

Waymo and Hyundai employees have reportedly met thrice about this potential deal. And the reporting signifies that the IONIQ 5 might be chosen as an alternative of the Zeekr mannequin. Waymo appears to disagree, although. The corporate offered this assertion to Reuters:

“We’ll decline to comment on speculation, but I can share that we are hard at work validating the 6th-generation Waymo Driver on the Zeekr platform and intend to introduce it into our fleet when ready.”

Zeekr additionally remark:

“There is no change to Zeekr’s partnership with Waymo [and they are] actively working together to deploy the vehicles.”

Hmm….

Possibly Waymo is planning to make use of autos from each firms, and use the variety of fashions or choices as safety towards any disruptions brought on by tariffs, or blocked imports. At all times good to bake in slightly 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: