Waymo's Ojai robotaxi debuts with spacious design and advanced autonomy

Waymo is set to launch its newest self-driving vehicle, the Ojai robotaxi, in the United States. The car marks a major step forward for the company’s autonomous fleet, offering a more spacious cabin and improved accessibility features.

The Ojai will first appear in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix through a free early-access programme before becoming widely available later this year.

The Ojai is built on the Zeekr RT platform and designed to feel like a 'living room on wheels'. Its flat-floor interior and large windows create an open, comfortable space for passengers. Accessibility was a key focus, with embedded braille, screen-reader compatibility, and support handles for those with disabilities.

Production follows an unusual approach: the base structure is manufactured in China, while the connected systems are installed in the United States to meet U.S. regulations. This method ensures compliance without compromising the vehicle’s advanced features. The Ojai will be the first to use Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous driving system, called the Waymo Driver. It includes 13 cameras, 4 lidar units, and 6 radar sensors, allowing it to perform better in harsh weather. Over the coming months, the company plans to expand service to Denver, Las Vegas, and San Diego as part of a national rollout. Waymo is also preparing a robotaxi version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which will join its fleet at a later date.

The Ojai’s launch introduces a more accessible and technologically advanced robotaxi to Waymo’s service. Free early access begins in three cities before wider availability later in the year. The vehicle’s design and expanded sensor system aim to improve both passenger comfort and autonomous driving performance.