Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle (EV) is set to be the new face of Waymo’s next-generation autonomous taxi service, marking a significant advancement in the ride-hailing industry. This partnership between Hyundai Motor and Waymo brings together two powerhouses in the automotive and technology fields, and the vehicles are expected to be a cornerstone of Waymo’s autonomous fleet.
A Strategic Partnership
On October 4, 2024, Hyundai announced a multi-year collaboration with Waymo to integrate Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous driving technology into Hyundai’s flagship electric SUV, Hyundai Ioniq 5. These vehicles will be produced at Hyundai’s new electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Georgia, USA, starting in early 2025. Road testing of the new robotaxi is slated to begin by late 2025, with commercial availability on Waymo’s ride-hailing service, Waymo One, expected to follow soon after.
This partnership comes at a critical time for Waymo, which has been seeking alternatives to its Chinese-made Zeekr robotaxis due to rising geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions. By opting for the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which will be manufactured in the United States, Waymo is aligning itself with shifting trade policies while advancing its commitment to a sustainable, autonomous future.
Why the Ioniq 5?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is widely regarded as one of the most advanced electric vehicles on the market today, making it a fitting choice for Waymo’s autonomous fleet. Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers a sleek design, advanced safety features, and an impressive range, further enhanced in its 2025 model. This iteration of the Ioniq 5 will feature a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, granting it access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, a game-changing feature for EV drivers.
Jose Muñoz, CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, praised the partnership, noting that Hyundai Ioniq 5 technological sophistication and focus on sustainability make it the “ideal vehicle” to expand Waymo’s robotaxi fleet. “We are ready to allocate a significant number of vehicles,” Muñoz added, highlighting the large scale of this venture.
A Growing Market for Autonomous Taxis
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have been gaining traction in the global market, with major cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles hosting pilot programs. Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has been a leader in this space, using Jaguar I-Paces and Chrysler Pacificas in its existing robotaxi fleet. By adding the Hyundai Ioniq 5 to its lineup, Waymo is expanding its reach and further diversifying its vehicle offerings.
Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, emphasized the significance of the partnership with Hyundai, calling it an essential step in bringing fully autonomous services to more riders in more locations. Both companies share a vision of improving transportation safety, efficiency, and sustainability, making this collaboration a natural fit.
Autonomous-Ready Features
Hyundai Ioniq 5 destined for Waymo’s fleet will be outfitted with specialized hardware and software designed to support fully autonomous operation. These include redundant systems for added safety, as well as specific modifications like power doors to facilitate easy passenger entry and exit. Waymo’s “Driver” system, now in its sixth generation, is designed to handle a wide range of driving conditions, ensuring the vehicle can navigate urban environments without human intervention.
With Waymo currently operating in select areas, including Phoenix and San Francisco, the company is steadily expanding its presence in the U.S. By incorporating the Ioniq 5 into its fleet, Waymo hopes to accelerate the deployment of autonomous ride-hailing services across the country.
The Hyundai-Waymo partnership is expected to bring thousands of Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxi to U.S. roads over the next several years. Both companies are optimistic about the potential for further collaboration, exploring additional opportunities to develop autonomous technologies.
As the autonomous vehicle industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this one signal a new era in transportation, where sustainable, self-driving vehicles are poised to become the norm rather than the exception.
