Alphabet’s self-driving unit, Waymo, has announced a new partnership with Hyundai to incorporate the automaker’s electric vehicles into its growing robotaxi fleet. The agreement, revealed on Friday, will see Waymo’s autonomous driving technology integrated into Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 SUV, marking a significant expansion in both companies’ push toward sustainable, self-driving transportation.
This partnership comes as Waymo continues to scale its robotaxi services across key U.S. cities. Currently, the company’s autonomous taxis are available to the public in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. Additionally, Waymo recently teamed up with Uber to offer self-driving rides on the Uber app in cities like Austin and Atlanta, further broadening access to its services.
The collaboration between Waymo and Hyundai will initially focus on testing. Road testing of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 equipped with Waymo’s autonomous technology is set to begin late next year, with customer availability to follow once testing is complete.
The introduction of Hyundai’s electric vehicles into Waymo’s fleet highlights both companies’ commitment to advancing sustainable and autonomous transportation solutions. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, a fully electric SUV, is a natural fit for Waymo’s goal of reducing emissions while offering a convenient, self-driving mobility service.
As Waymo’s presence in the robotaxi market continues to grow, its partnership with Hyundai underscores the increasing convergence of electric and autonomous vehicle technologies. For consumers in cities where Waymo operates, this means access to cleaner, smarter transportation options in the near future.