Waymo’s new Ojai robotaxi is cheaper to build, harder to break, and made in China
Alphabet’s self-driving unit has opened its sixth-generation Ojai robotaxi to select riders in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, with a vehicle that cuts sensor count by 42% and costs roughly $75,000 less to produce than the Jaguar it replaces.
Key Takeaways:
- Cheaper and More Efficient: The Ojai robotaxi reduces sensor count by 42% while costing approximately $75,000 less per unit than the Jaguar I-PACE it replaces.
- Purpose-Built Design: This is Waymo’s first vehicle designed specifically for autonomous ride-hailing, built on a platform manufactured by Zeekr (an electric vehicle brand owned by Geely).
- Initial Launch Cities: Rides are available in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, with San Diego, Las Vegas, and Denver expected to follow later this summer.
- Improved Technology: The Ojai uses higher quality sensors, including a new 17-megapixel imager for better image clarity and thermal stability. Its lidar can see through heavy rain and snow, and upgraded audio receivers enhance sound detection.
- Cost Savings: Morgan Stanley estimates the Ojai costs roughly $125,000 per unit, compared to approximately $200,000 for the I-PACE. The base vehicle built by Zeekr reportedly costs around $38,000, and sixth-generation Driver hardware is expected to cost less than $20,000 per unit.
- Political Scrutiny: The Ojai’s reliance on Chinese manufacturing has raised political concerns, as the vehicles face 100% tariffs despite being imported as stripped-down bodies.