On October 4, 2024, it was announced that Hyundai Motor Company and Waymo, a self-driving technology company, would be entering into a long-term deal to integrate Waymo’s autonomous driving system into Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 SUV.
Hyundai, Waymo Partnership
The first step of this collaboration is to take Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUVs and load them up with Waymo’s autonomous driving system.
These modified cars will be built at Hyundai’s new electric vehicle (EV) factory in Georgia and will eventually be part of Waymo’s fleet of autonomous taxis, known as Waymo One.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 SUV
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 is an all-electric SUV and one of the most advanced EVs on the market. It features an 800-volt architecture that offers ultra-fast charging to greatly reduce downtime.
As for aesthetics and design, the car is modern, sleek and spacious with plenty of legroom, headroom, and cargo space.
New Features
The upgraded IONIQ 5 will feature the Waymo Driver, an advanced, fully autonomous driving system. The vehicles will be equipped with safety features like redundant hardware, meaning if one system fails, another will take over.
The cars will also have power doors that open and close automatically. Additionally, the IONIQ 5 will be able to drive long distances on a single charge. This tech is already being used in the Waymo One ride-hailing service.
Hyundai, Waymo Safe Autonomous Driving Efforts
The newly modified EVs will begin road testing by late 2025, and after that, they’ll be gradually introduced to the public through Waymo One.
Both companies have stated their intention to continue working together to improve autonomous driving technology for safer, more eco-friendly travel options.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Armands Photography
