Waymo Expands Autonomous Vehicle Service with New Ojai Model
In an exciting development for metro Phoenix, Waymo has introduced its latest autonomous vehicle, the Ojai, available for all riders. This expansion is not limited to Phoenix but also includes Los Angeles and San Francisco, marking a significant step in Waymo’s plan to extend its fully-autonomous services to numerous cities.
The Ojai model is designed to enhance the passenger experience with several new features. It offers a spacious cabin with increased legroom, flat floors, and large LED screens, complemented by elevator-style doors for easy access.
Equipped with Google Gemini AI, these vehicles provide passengers with the convenience of controlling the air conditioning and music, rerouting the journey, or exploring their surroundings using voice commands.
The Ojai vehicles are built around the CM1e model from Chinese manufacturer Zeekr, specifically designed for autonomous applications and running on fully electric power.
Featuring Waymo’s sixth-generation driver technology, the Ojai model streamlines production processes, boosting the output at Waymo’s Mesa factory to tens of thousands of units annually.
Currently, riders may be matched with an Ojai vehicle if one is available nearby. However, Waymo plans to offer an option for passengers to select their preferred vehicle model in the future.
