Hyundai Motor Company and Waymo have unveiled a multi-year strategic partnership to integrate cutting-edge autonomous technology into Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV. The collaboration aims to enhance the Waymo One fleet, offering riders a more efficient and safe travel experience through the incorporation of Waymo’s sixth generation fully autonomous system, known as the Waymo Driver.
In the initial phase of this partnership, the IONIQ 5 vehicles designated for the Waymo fleet will be assembled at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Georgia. Once produced, these vehicles will undergo integration with Waymo’s autonomous technology. The companies plan to manufacture the IONIQ 5 SUVs in significant volumes over the coming years to support the scaling of Waymo One’s operations.
Waymo, an industry leader in autonomous vehicle technology, is set to commence initial on-road testing of the Waymo-enabled IONIQ 5 SUVs by late 2025. Following successful testing, these vehicles will become available to Waymo One riders in the subsequent years.
Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Hyundai as we further our mission to be the world’s most trusted driver. Hyundai’s focus on sustainability and strong electric vehicle roadmap makes them a great partner for us as we bring our fully autonomous service to more riders in more places.”
José Muñoz, President and Global COO of Hyundai Motor Company, emphasised the alignment of the two companies’ visions, saying, “Hyundai and Waymo share a vision to improve the safety, efficiency, and convenience of how people move. Waymo’s transformational technology is improving road safety where they operate, and the IONIQ 5 is the ideal vehicle to scale this further.”
The partnership marks the beginning of a promising collaboration, with Hyundai actively exploring further opportunities for cooperation. Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Vehicle Platform Division, highlighted the launch of Hyundai’s autonomous vehicle foundry business. This initiative aims to provide global autonomous driving companies with vehicles equipped for SAE Level 4 or higher autonomous driving technology, with Waymo being a key partner in this endeavour.
The IONIQ 5 will be delivered to Waymo with specific modifications to ensure it is autonomous-ready, including redundant hardware and power doors. This award-winning electric vehicle boasts an impressive range, allowing for long driving shifts on a single charge. The vehicle’s advanced 800-volt architecture will facilitate some of the fastest charging speeds available in the industry, minimising downtime. Additionally, the IONIQ 5 offers a spacious and well-appointed interior, providing ample legroom and cargo space to ensure a comfortable experience for riders.
The collaboration between Hyundai and Waymo signifies a significant advancement in the realm of autonomous vehicles, promising to transform the transportation landscape by delivering safe and efficient travel solutions. As the automotive industry moves toward a more sustainable future, partnerships like this are crucial in paving the way for widespread adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles.