Hyundai and Waymo have signed a multi-year strategic agreement to integrate Waymo ’s self-driving technology into Hyundai ’s electric SUV , the IONIQ 5. The collaboration aims to transform the future of sustainable transportation by expanding the fleet of autonomous vehicles on the Waymo One service.
The collaboration between Hyundai and Waymo
The first step is to equip the IONIQ 5s with Waymo’s sixth-generation technology, known as Waymo Driver . These vehicles will be assembled at Hyundai’s new electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Georgia, United States, known as Metaplant . The partnership will enable the production of a fleet of these autonomous SUVs to support the expansion of Waymo One , one of the most advanced robotaxi services in the world.
Waymo, known for its commitment to safety and its goal of reducing traffic accidents, will leverage the IONIQ 5 electric platform to offer safer and more efficient autonomous transportation. Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana stressed that this partnership will allow both companies to fulfill their mission of improving road safety and contributing to the creation of a more sustainable transportation ecosystem.
Hyundai President and Global COO Jose Muñoz stressed that the focus on electric and autonomous mobility is aligned with the company’s vision of creating safer and more efficient transportation solutions . Muñoz also commented that this agreement is ” just the beginning of a broader collaboration between both companies, opening the door to future initiatives in the field of vehicle automation ,” he said.
The integration of Waymo Driver into the IONIQ 5 will enable autonomous driving, optimizing the performance of the electric SUV, which features an 800-volt architecture. This reduces charging times, maximizing the time the vehicles spend in operation. The IONIQ 5’s spacious interior, coupled with its eco-friendly design, makes it an ideal choice for large-scale autonomous transport fleets.
Hyundai’s Advanced Vehicle Platforms Division President Chang Song explained that this partnership with Waymo represents a key step in the company’s strategy to produce vehicles compatible with Level 4 or higher autonomous driving technology. In addition, Hyundai seeks to establish itself as a reference in the autonomous automotive industry through strategic alliances around the world.
Waymo’s technology and how it makes roads safer. Source: Waymo
Production and testing of the first autonomous IONIQ 5s will begin in 2025, with plans to incorporate them into the Waymo One fleet shortly thereafter. The collaboration promises to transform the market for electric and autonomous vehicles, improving both road safety and the sustainability of transportation.
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Source and photo: Hyundai
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