Waymo is developing a roomier robotaxi with less-expensive tech
Summary
Its new driverless tech, integrated into Geely Zeekr electric vehicles, should be able to handle a wider array of weather conditions without requiring as many costly cameras and sensors on board. The company previously integrated its driverless systems into Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans and fully electric Jaguar I-PACE SUVs. In June, the company dropped its waitlist and opened Waymo rides to any users in San Francisco. Last month, Alphabet announced it would invest a fresh $5 billion in its autonomous vehicle unit, which first began as "project chauffeur" at Google in 2009. Jeyachandran told CNBC that the capital will be used mostly for scaling, including adding the new robotaxis to its fleet once Generation 6 testing and validation is complete.