Waymo Opens Zeekr Ojai Robotaxi to All Riders in the US

Waymo Opens Zeekr Ojai Robotaxi Service to All Riders

Waymo has officially opened its robotaxi service using the Zeekr Ojai, an electric vehicle built by China's Geely, to all riders in the United States. The Ojai is a purpose-built autonomous taxi without a steering wheel or pedals, showcasing L4 autonomous driving technology. This marks the first large-scale deployment of a Chinese-made EV in the US ride-hailing market, signaling a new phase of Sino-US collaboration in autonomous driving.

This means B2B buyers in the mobility, fleet management, and automotive technology sectors should pay close attention to the implications of this deployment. The service expansion provides Waymo with a larger fleet and offers Zeekr significant international brand exposure. It validates the suitability of Chinese EV platforms for high-level autonomous driving applications and could influence future partnerships and regulatory frameworks.

Key Facts and Market Impact

• Waymo has opened its Zeekr Ojai robotaxi service to all riders, moving beyond limited testing phases.
• The Zeekr Ojai is a purpose-built L4 autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals.
• This is the first large-scale deployment of a Chinese-made EV in the US ride-hailing market.
• The collaboration signals growing Sino-US cooperation in autonomous driving technology.

What This Means for B2B Buyers

For fleet operators and technology procurers, this deployment demonstrates that Chinese EV platforms can meet the rigorous demands of high-level autonomous driving. B2B buyers evaluating autonomous fleet solutions should consider how this validation may accelerate the availability of similar purpose-built EVs in other markets. The increased fleet size for Waymo also suggests growing operational confidence in the technology, which could lower perceived risks for businesses exploring robotaxi partnerships.

Source: Electrek, August 20, 2026.