Waymo has spent the previous three years refining and testing a minivan-like car made by Chinese language automaker Zeekr. And now, earlier than this robotaxi joins Waymo’s official industrial fleet, it’s getting a brand new identify, the corporate instructed TechCrunch.
The Zeekr RT robotaxi will now be named Ojai (pronounced “oh-hi”) — after the village within the Topatopa Mountains above Los Angeles that’s identified for its arts neighborhood and give attention to wellness.
Waymo’s official rationalization, per spokesperson Chris Bonelli, is that the corporate decided the U.S. public isn’t accustomed to the Zeekr model. That branding might even carry by way of to the rider expertise. Apparently, when prospects ultimately get into the Ojai, the robotaxi will greet them with an “Oh hello” and their identify. Cute.
After all, within the U.S. it won’t damage to ditch the identify of a Chinese language automaker both.
For these unfamiliar, Waymo first struck a partnership with Geely Holding Group-owned Zeekr in 2021. Waymo confirmed off an idea of a purpose-built robotaxi the next yr at a splashy occasion in Los Angeles. The prototype was based mostly on a model of Zeekr’s SEA-M structure designed for “future mobility merchandise” like robotaxis and logistics autos.
Notably, the prototype didn’t have a steering wheel. However the Ojai one, which was proven off at CES 2026, does.
The Zeekr RT (now Ojai) has gone by way of some fine-tuning over time because it has gone by way of improvement and testing in cities like Phoenix and San Francisco. Final yr at CES, Waymo gave the robotaxi the now-retired identify of Zeekr RT and showcased a few of its {hardware}, together with 13 cameras, 4 lidar, six radar, an array of exterior audio receivers, and the tiniest sensor wipers you’ve ever seen.
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That {hardware} suite is similar. However the paint colour has been tweaked, based on the corporate. Waymo instructed TechCrunch the paint colour, which had a blueish tint, is now extra silver.
All of those remaining tweaks have occurred forward of Ojai’s imminent launch into industrial service. Waymo staff, and their household and pals, at the moment are capable of hail the Zeekr van in San Francisco and Phoenix — sometimes one of many final steps earlier than it turns into obtainable to the general public.
Waymo is within the midst of a fast enlargement. The corporate, which gives a industrial robotaxi service in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, plans to launch in a dozen extra cities over the following yr. These cities embrace Denver, Las Vegas, and London.
