Waymo’s new Ojai robotaxi, manufactured by Geely’s Zeekr, integrates a 6th-generation autonomous driving suite with 13 cameras, four LiDAR units and six radar sensors—a 42% reduction in sensor count versus the prior Jaguar I-Pace platform. Unit cost is estimated at $75,000 delivered, down from $150,000–$200,000 per Jaguar-based vehicle, supporting faster scaling and improved profitability.

To broaden its autonomous fleet, Waymo will deploy a modified Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle at an estimated $50,000 per unit, compared with U.S. retail prices starting around $35,000. This high-volume, autonomous-ready version aligns with Waymo’s strategy to lower capital expenditure and accelerate market penetration.

Waymo is rolling out robotaxi services in four additional U.S. cities, bringing its total to ten urban markets. The expansion follows recent incidents involving its autonomous vehicles that have prompted heightened regulatory reviews and safety evaluations.

Investor Gary Black asserts that Waymo’s higher-priced robotaxis can compete with lower-cost rivals through superior marketing and execution. While Tesla develops its $30,000 Cybercab with no steering controls, its Austin-based robotaxi fleet has reported 14 crashes since mid-2025, raising questions about safety performance.