Waymo is in talks with Hyundai about using the Ioniq 5 for its next-generation robotaxi, with representatives from the two companies having met more than three times. The purpose is the manufacture by the Korean company of specially adapted Ioniq 5, which will bring Waymo’s hardware for its services in the USA.
Google’s parent company Alphabet’s US self-driving technology company currently has the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace in its fleet, having phased out Chrysler Pacificas last year. However, it recently began testing the sixth-generation autonomous system in a small number of Zeekr minivan cars.
Waymo says its latest hardware evolution consists of 13 cameras, 4 lidars, 6 radars and various external audio receivers, costs less than the previous system and can handle a wider range of weather conditions.
The use of Hyundai’s electric model could replace Zeekr’s vehicles, which have Waymo Driver’s autonomous technology installed in the US but are made in China and subject to heavy tariffs now imposed on anything imported into the US.
Source: www.autoblog.gr
