Waymo, the autonomous vehicle arm of Alphabet Inc., has announced a new, multi-year, multi-phase, strategic partnership with the Hyundai Motor Company. In the first phase of this partnership, the companies will integrate the latest generation of Waymo Driver, the Alphabet brand’s proprietary fully autonomous driving technology, into the Ioniq 5 SUV. The electric SUVs (e-SUVs) equipped with this technology will then gradually be added to the company’s Waymo One robotaxi fleet.
The e-SUVs intended for Waymo’s fleet will be assembled at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, the Group’s new EV plant in Georgia, before being separately equipped with Waymo’s autonomous technology. Here, Waymo and Hyundai intend to produce a fleet of Ioniq 5 models fitted with Waymo Driver at a significant volume over multiple years to help support the growth of Waymo One. As these models leave the production line, the companies expect to conduct initial on-road testing by late 2025, before they launch on Waymo One in the years to follow.
Before being fitted with Waymo’s technology, Hyundai will equip the Ioniq 5s set to join the fleet with specific, autonomous-ready, modifications. While offering redundant hardware and power doors, the EV will also retain its extended EV driving range, 800-volt architecture, and fast charging capabilities. At the same time, Waymo highlighted the role that the EV’s interior will play in providing a comfortable rider experience, offering spaciousness, as well as enhanced legroom, headroom and rear cargo space.
