Waymo to launch new Ojai robotaxi model for passenger service The collaboration between Geely brand Zeekr and Waymo on a joint robotaxi project has been known for several years, with early prototypes already operating on public roads since 2024. The vehicle was originally developed under the name Zeekr RT and is based on the Zeekr Mix van. In January 2026, the partners renamed the model Waymo Ojai, after the Californian city of Ojai. The Ojai is now set to enter regular service with Waymo soon. “While our employees have been enjoying fully autonomous trips in the Ojai for months, we’re excited to welcome our first public riders along for the ride to enjoy this next-generation experience,” the company stated. Initially, selected passengers in San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles will be able to use the Ojai free of charge while Waymo collects feedback on the experience. Over the coming months, the company plans to expand access gradually and deploy the vehicle in additional cities, including Denver, Las Vegas and San Diego, before opening the service to all customers later this year. Waymo currently operates a fleet of around 3,000 vehicles, all based on the Jaguar I-Pace electric car. The company will continue to run these vehicles alongside the Waymo Ojai for the foreseeable future. However, the Ojai offers several advantages. As a van, it provides more interior space for passengers. Waymo has also significantly lowered hardware costs per vehicle by reducing the number of cameras from 29 to 13 and cutting the number of lidar sensors from five to four. This new setup is made possible by the sixth generation of the Waymo Driver, Waymo’s robotaxi technology, which is being used for the first time in the Waymo Ojai. It is also planned for a future Waymo version of the