Zeekr, the electric vehicle brand under Geely, has announced plans to start series production of the Zeekr RT, a customized version of the Zeekr Mix designed in collaboration with Waymo. The Zeekr RT, developed specifically as an autonomous robotaxi, will begin deliveries to Waymo in 2025, according to the announcement made at CES.
The partnership between Zeekr and Waymo, which has been in development for three years, was officially unveiled with the introduction of Zeekr’s SEA-M platform. The first prototypes of the robotaxi have been undergoing test drives in San Francisco since the summer of 2024, with a safety driver on board to intervene if needed.
At CES, Zeekr revealed that the vehicle will be named the Zeekr RT, with ‘RT’ likely standing for “Robotaxi.” Zeekr CEO Andy An emphasized that the Zeekr RT will be the “first mass-produced vehicle purpose-built for autonomous driving” globally, making Zeekr the first Chinese car brand to enter the US market, despite the 100% punitive tariff on Chinese car imports.
The Zeekr RT will be equipped with the sixth generation of Waymo’s robotaxi technology, “Waymo Driver.” This system boasts significant advancements, including a reduction in cameras from 29 to 13 and a decrease in lidar sensors from five to four. Although the exact specifications of the Zeekr RT remain under wraps, it is expected to closely resemble the Zeekr Mix.
This model is powered by a 310 kW rear engine and features a 77 kWh NMC battery, offering a CLTC range of 556 kilometers. The Zeekr Mix’s three-meter wheelbase and unique three sliding doors configuration are expected to be retained. The interior of the Zeekr Mix includes five seats and a central tunnel table, offering a functional and user-centric design.
