Hyundai’s revamped 2025 IONIQ 5 is set to debut in the US this autumn and has secured a spot within Waymo’s autonomous taxi armada. Hyundai has announced a groundbreaking multi-year partnership that will see the company supply a substantial number of IONIQ 5 vehicles to Waymo’s self-driving taxi fleet, marking a significant milestone in the development of autonomous transportation.
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 electric crossover has been added to Waymo’s self-driving taxi fleet.
Hyundai Motor Company and Waymo, a leading autonomous driving technology company, announced a significant partnership on Friday. The cornerstone of their multi-year alliance is the seamless integration of Waymo’s cutting-edge, sixth-generation autonomous technology within Hyundai’s innovative IONIQ 5.
Automobiles can now be assembled at Hyundai’s newly established electric vehicle production facility, HMGMA, in Georgia, with the potential for production to begin as early as this month.
Preliminary on-road testing is slated to begin by late 2025, with a phased rollout to Waymo One users expected to follow gradually over the next several years.
“Hyundai’s commitment to sustainability and its ambitious electric vehicle strategy make it a compelling partner for us as we expand our fully autonomous transportation service to more riders and regions,” said Waymo’s co-CEO, Tekedra Mawakana, upon announcing the partnership.
Hyundai Motor’s North America CEO, Jose Munoz, noted that the staff at its newly established GA manufacturing facility can efficiently allocate a diverse range of vehicles to the Waymo fleet, enabling expanded operations.
The corporation intends to build a significant fleet of IONIQ 5 vehicles equipped with Waymo’s autonomous driving technology over the course of several years.
Hyundai has recently revealed its latest model, the 2025 IONIQ 5, which made its debut last month. It boasts an exquisite array and a sleek, modern flair. The all-new 2025 model also features an NACS charging port, granting access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network.
The Hyundai Group’s brand-new manufacturing plant, slated to launch in autumn, is poised to produce its flagship vehicle, a milestone moment for the company’s innovative endeavors. The South Korean automaker Hyundai plans to commence deliveries soon. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been spotted undergoing test drives in the United States, with sightings captured and shared online.
As part of its latest initiatives to gain a competitive advantage in autonomous technology, Hyundai has formed a brand-new partnership. During Hyundai’s 2024 CEO Investor Day in August, the company unveiled plans to establish a cutting-edge autonomous vehicle foundry.
Hyundai aims to pioneer the development of a platform for energy-efficient vehicles equipped with advanced SAE Level 4 or higher autonomous driving capabilities through strategic partnerships.