{
  "id": 2026766,
  "title": "Waymo’s cheaper, next-gen robotaxi is now open to all riders in these three cities",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/waymos-cheaper-next-gen-robotaxi-is-now-open-to-all-riders-in-these",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-19T22:25:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechCrunch",
    "slug": "techcrunch",
    "url": "https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/19/waymos-cheaper-next-gen-robotaxi-is-now-open-to-all-riders-in-these-three-cities/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has made its next-generation robotaxi, known as the Ojai, available to riders in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco. This marks a significant step for the company as it seeks to expand its fleet with more cost-effective vehicles. For now, customers in these cities may be assigned the Ojai when they request a ride. Once Waymo has amassed enough Ojai units in its fleet, riders will have the option to choose between the newer vehicle and the older Jaguar I-Pace robotaxi. Currently, Waymo operates around 300 Ojai robotaxis, with plans to introduce the model in Denver, Las Vegas, and San Diego later this year. The company has been using the Jaguar I-Pace, an all-electric, modified hatchback, for its robotaxi services in 11 U.S. cities since years. However, the Ojai is designed to fulfill Waymo's long-term objective of achieving mass scale and eventual profitability. Equipped with Waymo's sixth-generation self-driving system, the modular Ojai also boasts a redesigned user interface and Google's Gemini AI, serving as an in-car assistant for riders. Essentially, the Ojai is a minivan manufactured by Zeekr, a brand owned by China’s Geely Holding Group. Waymo collaborated with Zeekr in 2021, testing a prototype and a production-intent version of the vehicle over several years. Built on Zeekr’s Sustainable Experience Architecture, the Ojai is designed to be attractive, easily accessible for riders, inexpensive to build and maintain, and durable for frequent usage. However, import tariffs on the Chinese-built vehicles add to Waymo's expenses. Despite this, Waymo aims to bring 5,000 Ojai vehicles to the United States by the end of 2026, more than doubling its current Jaguar fleet, according to research firm MoffettNathanson.",
  "summary": "The next-generation robotaxi called the Waymo Ojai, is central to the company's push towards mass scale, and eventually, profitability.",
  "key_points": [
    "Waymo's next-gen robotaxi, Ojai, now available in LA, Phoenix, and San Francisco",
    "Ojai designed for mass scale and profitability, equipped with sixth-gen self-driving system",
    "Waymo plans to deploy 5,000 Ojai vehicles in U.S. by end of 2026"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}