You Can Now Ride a Chinese EV in the US as Waymo Opens Zeekr Ojai to All
Waymo's robotaxi service expands access to its Zeekr fleet in Ojai, California.
Waymo has opened its Zeekr-based robotaxi service in Ojai, California, to all riders, marking the first time U.S. consumers can access a Chinese electric vehicle through an autonomous ride-hailing platform.
What Happened
Waymo confirmed that its Zeekr robotaxi fleet operating in Ojai is now available to the general public after previously being limited to select users. The Alphabet-owned company has been testing and gradually expanding access to its Zeekr vehicles, which are manufactured by the Chinese automaker Geely's premium brand Zeekr.
Why It Matters
The expansion represents a notable milestone in both the autonomous vehicle industry and the broader EV market. For riders, it offers access to a new electric vehicle platform through Waymo's ride-hailing service. The development also highlights how Chinese EVs are entering the U.S. market through autonomy partnerships rather than traditional sales channels.
The Bottom Line
Waymo's opening of its Zeekr Ojai service to all riders signals continued growth in the autonomous ride-hailing sector and provides a new pathway for Chinese EVs to reach American consumers.
