The strategic partnership will power Waymo’s 6th-generation autonomous driving system on the Hyundai Ioniq 5
Waymo and Hyundai have announced a partnership to use the mighty popular Ioniq 5 as the new autonomous taxi. At the moment, Waymo uses a fleet of Jaguar I-Pace EVs. However, the Korean electric crossover is slated to replace that in the coming years. We know that Waymo had huge plans for its autonomous taxis with the Chinese EV giant Zeekr. Unfortunately, due to the recent happenings in the U.S. and Europe (tariffs on Chinese EVs), those plans fell through. That is how Waymo ended with Hyundai.
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Waymo To Use Hyundai Ioniq 5
According to the official press release from Hyundai, Waymo will integrate its 6th-generation fully autonomous technology – the Waymo Driver – into Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV. In fact, the EV will join the fleet over time. To ensure that the Zeekr-like situation doesn’t crop up again, Waymo knows that the Ioniq 5 will commence assembly at the new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) EV manufacturing facility in Georgia.
Hence, the future, in that sense is secured. The initial on-road testing with Waymo-enabled IONIQ 5s will begin by late 2025. Eventually, the EV will be available to Waymo One riders in the years to follow. Waymo’s Hyundai Ioniq 5 will have specific autonomous-ready modifications like redundant hardware and power doors. Also, the EV’s 800-volt architecture will ensure the fastest charging speeds available. Finally, the spacious cabin and the latest tech and connectivity amenities will pamper the occupants.
On this occasion, José Muñoz, President and Global COO of Hyundai Motor Company and President and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, said, “Hyundai and Waymo share a vision to improve the safety, efficiency and convenience of how people move. Waymo’s transformational technology is improving road safety where they operate, and the IONIQ 5 is the ideal vehicle to scale this further. The team at our new manufacturing facility is ready to allocate a significant number of vehicles for the Waymo One fleet as it continues to expand. Importantly, this is the first step in the partnership between the two companies and we are actively exploring additional opportunities for collaboration.”
Echoing similar sentiments was the CEO of Waymo, Tekedra Mawakana, who remarked, “We are thrilled to partner with Hyundai as we further our mission to be the world’s most trusted driver. Hyundai’s focus on sustainability and strong electric vehicle roadmap makes them a great partner for us as we bring our fully autonomous service to more riders in more places.”
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Learn Electric Cars Says
Hyundai has been having a great time in the current electric mobility world with its E-GMP-based products. They have been selling well across international markets. Apart from that, the Korean auto giant has been in the process of expanding its global portfolio with a poignant focus on affordable EVs. That seems critical to power through the current phase of slowed EV demand. With an auxiliary presence in the market like this Waymo collaboration, its electric cars will only gain more popularity. I am excited to see what the future holds for the EV market in general, and Hyundai EVs in particular.