In a report published on Aug. 19, Waymo has introduced its sixth-generation robo-taxi, an electric minivan developed in collaboration with Chinese automaker Zeekr, as detailed in a blog post by the company's Vice President of Engineering Satish Jeyachandran.
The new vehicle is described as being more technologically advanced than its predecessors while also being designed with fewer sensors to lower production costs for Waymo, an Alphabet subsidiary. It incorporates the cumulative knowledge from the first five generations of Waymo's autonomous vehicles, aiming to reduce the need for extensive real-world testing before public deployment. However, the vehicle's cost-effectiveness might be threatened by potential new tariffs as the Biden administration has proposed increasing tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles from 25% to 100% to counteract what it sees as unfair trade practices by China.
Despite these potential tariff challenges, which were not directly addressed in Jeyachandran's announcement or the mention of Zeekr as the manufacturer, Waymo is focusing on reducing expenses within its autonomy system. The company has expressed intent to closely monitor the tariff situation. The sixth-generation robo-taxi boasts a comprehensive sensor array, including 16 cameras, five Lidar, six radar and external audio receivers, designed to ensure redundancy and reliability in various conditions and provide a substantial visible range.
Other enterprises in the autonomous vehicle sector are also exploring ways to minimize production costs, with some choosing to forgo Lidar in favor of camera-only systems or emphasizing the role of radar to compensate for Lidar's expenses. As competition heats up, reducing costs becomes crucial for companies such as Waymo as they plan to scale and enter new markets. Alphabet has shown continued support for Waymo through increased funding, dedicating an additional $5 billion despite widening losses within its Other Bets unit, which includes Waymo. This investment is part of Alphabet's long-term strategy to support Waymo's growth and development in the autonomous vehicle industry.
