Simran Joshi
Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle division, has announced a multiyear partnership with Hyundai Motor to integrate the automaker’s Ioniq 5 electric vehicles (EVs) into its robotaxi fleet. This collaboration, which will support Waymo’s commercial robotaxi service, Waymo One, will see the Ioniq 5 equipped with Waymo’s sixth-generation self-driving technology. Production of the modified EVs will begin at Hyundai’s upcoming plant in Georgia, with initial testing slated for late 2025, followed by eventual inclusion in Waymo’s fleet.
Strategic Partnership Enhances Robotaxi Fleet
Waymo and Hyundai Motor have announced a significant multiyear partnership aimed at expanding Waymo’s robotaxi fleet with the addition of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 electric vehicles. This collaboration is part of Waymo’s strategy to enhance its self-driving technology, known as the Waymo Driver, by integrating it into a “significant volume” of Ioniq 5s over the coming years. The partnership aligns with Waymo’s goals to grow its presence in the autonomous vehicle market, particularly in the realm of commercial robotaxi services.
The Ioniq 5 EVs will be manufactured at Hyundai’s forthcoming “Metaplant America” in Georgia, ensuring that the vehicles are tailored for autonomous use. Each vehicle will come equipped with necessary modifications, including redundant hardware and specialized power doors, to support the Waymo Driver system. Initial on-road testing is slated to commence in late 2025, with plans for these vehicles to eventually serve riders of Waymo One, the company’s flagship commercial robotaxi service.
Future Prospects for Collaboration
José Muñoz, Hyundai’s Chief Operating Officer and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, highlighted the potential for further collaboration between the two companies beyond this initial agreement. The integration of the Ioniq 5 into Waymo’s fleet marks the beginning of a relationship that both companies are keen to develop further, with discussions ongoing about additional opportunities. This suggests that both parties see significant value in working together to advance the technology and market presence of autonomous vehicles.
The partnership also complements existing initiatives, as the Ioniq 5 is already in use by autonomous vehicle startup Motional, a joint venture between Hyundai and Aptiv. Despite this existing relationship, Hyundai assures that the new partnership with Waymo will not interfere with Motional’s operations, indicating a strategic approach to diversifying their presence in the autonomous driving landscape.
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