Autonomous taxi company Waymo has announced a new partnership with electric car technology manufacturer Zeekr.
The collaboration between Waymo and its Geely subsidiary aims to expand the Waymo One autonomous fleet with the latest electric cars.
“By becoming a strategic partner and vehicle supplier for the Waymo One fleet, we are able to share our experience, ideas and expertise on a collaborative electric vehicle that fits Waymo's needs,” said Andy An, Chief Executive Officer of Zeekr Technology.
The collaboration electric car by Waymo and Zeekr will be designed and developed at Zeekr's research center in Gothenburg, Sweden.
It is said to be developed using the latest open-source architectural electric car platform.
Although there are no specifications yet, Waymo and Zeekr have shown what the autonomous electric car will look like.
Looking at the body, Waymo and Zeekr's newest electric car has a futuristic MPV body complete with a “cap” containing sensors for autonomous driving.
Zeekr said the MPV has a design that is focused on the comfort of riders who enjoy Waymo's autonomous transportation services.
This design focus affects the interior which is made roomy and has a completely flat floor.
In addition, Zeekr and Waymo also use double sliding doors and remove the B pillar so that passengers can get in and out of the car easily.
Of course, because the Waymo and Zeekr electric cars are autonomous cars, there is no longer a steering wheel or pedals to control the car.
Instead, Waymo and Zeekr provide a single central screen that connects passengers, cars and operators.
Waymo said this electric car would be part of the Waymo One fleet in the United States, although it did not say when it would start operating.
In our latest OEM collaboration, we're pleased to work with @GeelyGroup as we integrate our Waymo Driver into a version of their new mobility-focused, all-electric Zeekr vehicle, designed for riders first. More: https://t.co/Qdf23Ln8Uw pic.twitter.com/5opt0Z1hxd
— Waymo (@Waymo) December 28, 2021
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