Waymo announced the start of operations with a new autonomous vehicle model. The company plans to put units of the Ojai and Los Angeles into circulation in the coming weeks. The first tests will take place with selected users at no cost to them.
The move seeks to expand the company’s presence in consolidated markets and prepare the ground for additional cities. The Ojai was developed in partnership with Zeekr and brings design changes to facilitate daily use.
Novo vehicle Ojai gains sliding doors and more interior space
The Ojai model features sliding doors for easy access. Ele offers greater legroom for passengers compared to current fleet vehicles. Três screens are available to occupants during travel.
Recursos accessibility features include identification in Braille and specific supports on the seats. The vehicle accommodates up to four passengers and has an expanded luggage area. The structure maintains compact dimensions. The increase in size is around 1% compared to the Jaguar I-Pace used today.
- Portas sliders for easier entry
- Três indoor screens for entertainment and information
- Identificação in braille at key points
- Maior luggage space
- Design aimed at quick cleaning and maintenance
Essas changes aim to improve user experience and reduce long-term operating costs.
Initial Produção focuses on 100 units of the Ojai model
Waymo will launch around 100 Ojai vehicles initially. Production is expected to increase in the coming months to reinforce the existing fleet. The plan includes larger-scale manufacturing in the future, with thousands of units per year.
The Ojai uses sixth generation technology from the Waymo Driver system. Ele has 13 cameras, five lidar sensors and six radars. Essa configuration is more efficient than the previous one, which used 29 cameras in the I-Pace.
The battery performs better. The vehicle is also better adapted to snow and heavy rain conditions.
Free Testes starts in three main cities
Selected users will receive invitations for free trips on Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix. The initial period serves to collect opinions and necessary adjustments.
The company has already completed more than 20 million autonomous trips in several American cities. History includes operations on Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami and Nashville.
Tests with the Ojai come after the recall of thousands of vehicles in April due to problems with water accumulated on the roads. The new version seeks to correct flaws identified in flooding and construction situations.
Updated Tecnologia aims to expand to new routes
The Ojai allows the Waymo to advance into areas with more challenging weather conditions. The company suspended travel on American highways the previous week due to safety concerns.
The current fleet operates in more than 10 cities. Planos includes arrival at San Diego and Las Vegas later this summer. The lower manufacturing cost of the Ojai should help reduce future fares for passengers.
The vehicle is manufactured by Zeekr, a Chinese automotive company. Ele maintains focus on safety and reliability for driverless transportation service.
What changes for passengers with the new robotaxi
Occupants will notice practical differences from the first contact. The flat floor helps those who use a wheelchair or have mobility difficulties. Supports on the seats make it easier to balance when getting in and out.
Internal screens provide route, weather and entertainment information. Extra legroom makes traveling more comfortable, especially on longer journeys.
Simplified maintenance should result in greater fleet availability. Fast Limpeza between runs reduces vehicle idle time.
Waymo belongs to Alphabet, the parent company of Google. The company leads the robotaxi segment in the Estados Unidos and competes with Zoox, Amazon, and other projects in development.