Waymo Expands Robotaxi Fleet with Hyundai Ioniq 5 Partnership

Waymo Partners with Hyundai to Introduce Ioniq 5 Robotaxi

Waymo has announced an exciting new venture in the world of autonomous vehicles: a strategic partnership with the Hyundai Motor Group to integrate the Hyundai Ioniq 5 into its future robotaxi fleet. This collaboration aims to bolster Waymo's efforts in the burgeoning electric vehicle market and enhance their self-driving technology.

The Road Ahead: Testing and Deployment

Before the Hyundai Ioniq 5 can hit the streets as a robotaxi, it will undergo rigorous on-road testing using Waymo’s advanced self-driving technology. Scheduled to commence in late 2025, this phase is crucial to ensure the vehicle's readiness for real-world passenger trips, which Waymo estimates will take place “years” after testing begins.

Production at Hyundai’s New Metaplant

The vehicles designated for Waymo’s fleet will be produced at Hyundai's new $7.6 billion Metaplant factory in Georgia. As the factory nears completion, the two companies have committed to manufacturing a significant number of Waymo-equipped electric Ioniq 5s over multiple years.

Charging Efficiency: A Key Metric for Robotaxis

One of the critical factors affecting the success of robotaxis is uptime. This term refers to the amount of time a vehicle is actively transporting passengers rather than sitting idle, waiting to be charged. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, an electric crossover SUV boasting over 300 miles of range, features an 800-volt architecture that significantly enhances charging speed. According to Hyundai, the Ioniq 5 can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes when connected to a 350kW fast charger, a compelling advantage for maximizing efficiency and revenue.

Success in the Market

Since its release in late 2021, the Ioniq 5 has gained widespread acclaim, earning numerous awards and thriving in sales. With 30,000 units sold in the US this year alone, it has helped Hyundai solidify its position as the second-largest EV seller in the US, surpassing both Ford and GM, second only to Tesla.

Waymo's Current Fleet and Future Plans

As of now, Waymo primarily operates a fleet of hundreds of Jaguar I-Pace vehicles, the mainstay of its robotaxi offerings. The company has also shown interest in expanding its fleet with a new vehicle from Geely's Zeekr. However, recent tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China could present challenges for this plan.

Clarification on Future Vehicle Platforms

In light of recent reports, Waymo has clarified that while the Ioniq 5 will indeed play a crucial role in its future operations, it will not replace any existing vehicle platforms. According to Waymo spokesperson Christopher Bonelli, the partnership with Hyundai is strategic for preparing for growth rather than displacing current models. This cautious approach serves to realign expectations following critiques of the AV industry for making overly ambitious predictions.

A Look Back at Previous Self-Driving Ventures

The Ioniq 5 is no stranger to self-driving technology; it has also been utilized by Motional, Hyundai's robotaxi subsidiary, and by Avride, formerly part of Yandex’s self-driving division. However, Waymo’s scale of operations exceeds that of these companies, as evidenced by its impressive milestone of achieving 100,000 paid trips each week.

Conclusion

Waymo's partnership with Hyundai marks a significant step forward in the development of autonomous vehicle technology and the expansion of electric vehicle offerings. As testing begins on the Ioniq 5, the industry will be watching closely to see how this collaboration unfolds and contributes to the future of robotaxi services.