Waymo Rolls Out the Ojai!

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It’s been a long time coming, but Waymo is finally rolling out the Ojai, a Zeekr-produced robotaxi model, for passenger trips. It definitely looks more rider-friendly than a typical SUV like the Jaguar I-PACE Waymo has been using. And it’s got a fun, inviting look to it.

It does look a little less luxurious inside than I expected, but perhaps that’s just the picture the company has shared. Or maybe I’m a bit spoiled from looking at all of the new Chinese EV interiors wowing us every month.

“We’re welcoming our first riders to experience the Ojai in the coming weeks,” Waymo shares. “We’ve spent years creating a journey that feels less like a car and more like its namesake: an oasis on wheels. While our employees have been enjoying fully autonomous trips in the Ojai for months, we’re excited to welcome our first public riders along for the ride to enjoy this next-generation experience.”

I thought it was mostly the camera view that made the space inside the Ojai look so big. However, the company also emphasized this feature of the car, so maybe the picture is more representative than I thought. “When riders open the elevator-like doors, they are welcomed into a cabin that feels remarkably expansive. With a low step and completely flat floor making it easier to get in and out, the space opens up like a living room on wheels. Three large LED screens offer a ride that is yours to customize, from temperature to tunes. This is just the beginning; we look forward to introducing more rider features to the Ojai experience over time to help you make each ride your own.”

Sounds compelling.

“Built on years of collaboration with input from our riders and community partners, the Ojai integrates accessibility directly into the vehicle’s DNA. We’ve prioritized subtle touches that are there when you need them. From embedded braille and screen-reader compatibility to a seat-integrated handle for extra support when entering or exiting, these features ensure the vehicle is as accessible as it is convenient.”

I expect nothing less from Waymo, which seems to heavily focus on doing things right, even if that takes a bit more time or a bit more money.

Waymo also notes that its 6th-generation Waymo Driver will be launched with the Ojai. “While the vehicle is a brand-new silhouette on the streets, the technology behind the wheel is an evolution of our safety-proven Waymo Driver, which has served over 20 million fully autonomous trips across 11+ cities. The Ojai will be the first vehicle to debut the 6th-generation Waymo Driver, enabling us to serve cities with even snowier conditions and further increase our operations.”

Perhaps most exciting of all, though, is that Tesla is talking specifics with regards to a big vehicle production ramp-up. “We are now meaningfully scaling our Waymo-enabled vehicles toward a capacity of tens of thousands of units per year at our factory in Mesa, Arizona.” Tens of thousands of Waymo robotaxis being built a year? That does sound notable.