Waymo Opens Cheaper Robotaxi to All Riders

The update

Waymo has opened its next-generation robotaxi, called the Ojai, to all riders in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco. The company had been offering limited pickups with this purpose-built vehicle in these cities earlier this year. The Ojai is equipped with Waymo’s sixth-generation self-driving system and features a redesigned user interface with Google’s Gemini AI as an in-car assistant.

Why it matters

This expansion marks a significant milestone for Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary as it pushes toward mass scale and eventual profitability. The Ojai represents a shift from the more expensive Jaguar I-Pace vehicles that Waymo had previously relied on. Built by Zeekr (a brand owned by China’s Geely Holding Group), the Ojai is designed to be cheaper to build, operate, and maintain while still providing an attractive experience for riders.

What to watch

Waymo plans to roll out the Ojai in Denver, Las Vegas, and San Diego later this year. The company currently has about 300 Ojai vehicles in its commercial fleet. Watch for how tariffs on these imported vehicles impact pricing and whether the modular design of Waymo’s sixth-generation system allows for faster expansion across different vehicle types.

Sources

• techcrunch.com — Details on the Ojai rollout, fleet size, and vehicle specifications
• engadget.com — Information on service expansion and vehicle features