San Jose, California — Robotaxi company Waymo has announced plans to expand its fleet by incorporating electric vehicles from Hyundai.
"We are thrilled to partner with Hyundai as we further our mission to be the world's most trusted driver," said Waymo co-Chief Executive Officer Tekedra Mawakana.
"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."
Hyundai's IONIQ 5 model, specially adapted for self-driving capabilities, is expected to undergo initial road tests within the next year, Google sister company Waymo said in a press release on Friday.
The company did not say exactly when the taxis would be available for passengers or how many would be produced.
Waymo said the IONIQ 5 vehicles will be assembled at a new Hyundai manufacturing facility in the US state of Georgia and then integrated with Waymo's autonomous technology.
Waymo is currently the only company that operates driverless robotaxis on a larger scale.
The cars are currently making more than 100,000 trips per week in the four US cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Austin. In San Francisco, Waymo's white Jaguar electric cars, outfitted with distinctive camera housings, have become a recognizable part of the urban landscape.
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Waymo Announces Expansion of Robotaxi Fleet
The Mountain View-based company has announced the expansion of its fleet of self-driving taxis. The company plans to incorporate electric vehicles from Hyundai.
Image Courtesy of Waymo
