Google’s self-driving car continues its journey

Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Group with Google, continues designing its autonomous taxi in partnership with Zeekr, the brand of Geely Group.

While autonomous vehicle projects seem to be fading or disappearing, Alphabet, Google’s parent company, remains firm in its commitment. Since 2015, the American company has been working on this sector, relying on the famous Google Maps mapping service.

Although it has not developed its car from A to Z, despite its first prototype “Firefly,” it continues its work in autonomous driving technology under Waymo subsidiary, which has already launched services in the United States on Jaguar I-Pace or Chrysler Pacifica models.

A true small 4-seater shuttle

But it wants to go further with a specially designed autonomous vehicle. This is why Alphabet has partnered with Geely Group and its premium brand Zeekr. Together, Waymo and Zeekr revealed a 100% autonomous shuttle concept in 2021, still virtual. Now, it is becoming more tangible with a specially designed interior.

First, the exterior remains almost unchanged, maximizing the wheelbase and minimizing overhangs. The look is very neutral, somewhat futuristic, with Lidar on the roof and other sensors visible on the sides or bumpers.

The boarding access is akin to a tram or subway, via two opposing sliding doors. Don’t look for a steering wheel or pedals; the front seats face a screen, with everything designed for convenience and space. Notable features include the very minimalist floor, plush seats, large grab handles, and two additional screens at the rear.

A Chinese platform

If Waymo is specialized in technology and software, Zeekr handles the vehicle itself. The base is from Geely, with a new platform specific to autonomous and shared vehicles called “SEA-M.” Evolving from the group’s SEA technical base, which is also used for the first Polish electric car Izera, it aims for enhanced onboard life and features the absence of a central pillar.

As a downside, like many autonomous cars, Waymo and Zeekr do not provide any launch date.

Also read: Autonomous taxis: Pony.ai obtains its license in China