Alphabet's self-driving unit, Waymo, has officially named its new purpose-built robotaxi 'Ojai'. The all-electric vehicle is manufactured by Chinese automaker Zeekr and is specifically designed for Waymo's autonomous ride-hailing service, which is expanding into more cities.
The vehicle, developed in a partnership first announced in 2021, represents a move away from retrofitting existing consumer cars like the Jaguar I-Pace. The newly christened Ojai is expected to be rolled out later this year, signaling a significant step in Waymo's strategy to scale its commercial operations with a dedicated, more cost-effective fleet.