Waymo Imports 3,200 Zeekr Robotaxis Despite Steep Tariffs
The import highlights the ongoing costs of sourcing autonomous vehicles from China amid heightened trade tensions.
Waymo has imported 3,200 Zeekr electric robotaxis into the United States despite facing super high tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles, according to a report by CleanTechnica.
What Happened
Alphabet's Waymo unit brought in approximately 3,200 Zeekr robotaxis for use in its autonomous ride-hailing operations. The imports occurred even as US tariffs on Chinese EVs and autonomous vehicle components remain substantially elevated under current trade policy. The vehicles are based on Geely's Zeekr platform, which is designed specifically for autonomous driving applications.
Why It Matters
The import underscores the tension between US tariff policies aimed at limiting Chinese automotive technology in the American market and the practical needs of companies developing robotaxi services domestically. Waymo has been expanding its commercial robotaxi operations across multiple US cities, requiring a reliable vehicle supply. Sourcing from Zeekr, which is owned by China's Geely, means absorbing significant additional per-unit costs from tariffs that can exceed 100% on some Chinese EVs and related components.
The Bottom Line
The import illustrates how trade policy objectives around restricting Chinese automotive technology can conflict with the operational realities of US companies building autonomous vehicle networks. Waymo appears to have determined that Zeekr's purpose-built autonomous platform remains the most viable option for scaling its robotaxi fleet, despite the added expense from tariffs.
