FYI: Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous taxi, an electric minivan constructed in China, is undergoing tests in the U.S., featuring an advanced, compact sensor suite designed for improved performance in adverse weather.
Waymo’s Sixth-Generation Driverless Minivan Undergoes U.S. Testing
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., is vigorously testing its sixth-generation driverless taxi across the United States. This latest iteration of their autonomous fleet is a Zeekr-branded, all-electric minivan manufactured in China. It boasts a sophisticated sensor suite that is not only more advanced but also more compact and cost-effective compared to its predecessor.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Design
The aesthetically unique, bubble-shaped minivan, designed and engineered in Sweden, is powered by Waymo’s latest autonomous driving system. This system integrates fewer components than previous versions, thus reducing production costs. The vehicle is equipped with a kaleidoscope of sensors designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including freezing temperatures and snow. Some of these sensors feature self-cleaning capabilities to maintain visibility in adverse weather.
Advanced Sensor Suite for Enhanced Performance
The Waymo Driver suite incorporates:
- 13 cameras
- 6 radars
- 4 lidar sensors
- Multiple audio receivers
These components collaboratively offer overlapping, 360-degree fields of view, enabling the vehicle to detect objects from as far away as 1,640 feet. This integration of video cameras, lidar, and radar ensures redundancy and heightens safety, making the system robust enough to handle diverse road conditions. Depending on the specific requirements, Waymo can swap out various sensing components to better accommodate local climates, such as extreme heat or heavy snowfall.
Real-World Testing and Timeline
The autonomous tech company has accumulated thousands of real-world test miles and millions more in simulations. Waymo’s Zeekr-built minivan is currently engaged in public testing, though full operational deployment without a human safety driver is expected to occur much faster than previous generations. The vehicle features:
- A removable steering wheel
- Seating capacity for five
- Four sliding doors for easy access
Manufacturing and Economic Concerns
While the vehicle is constructed at Geely’s factory in China, it is shipped to the United States without any integrated software or sensors from Zeekr. Once stateside, Waymo installs its proprietary hardware and software. This approach aims to mitigate concerns around software-related safety and compliance issues. However, the strategy raises questions about profitability, given the elevated import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
Concluding Thoughts
Waymo continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with autonomous vehicles, making significant advancements in sensor technology and vehicle design. With aggressive testing and strategic manufacturing, they aspire to turn driverless taxis into a widespread reality in the United States sooner rather than later.
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Authored by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
