Waymo launches purpose-built Ojai robotaxi for free rides

Waymo has begun offering public rides in its first purpose-built robotaxi, a new vehicle designed to lower costs and expand the company's service. The electric van, called the Ojai, is now available for free to a limited number of customers in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, with plans to expand to more riders and cities, including Denver, Las Vegas, and San Diego, later this year.

The Ojai represents a significant shift for the Alphabet-owned company, moving from retrofitting luxury vehicles like the Jaguar I-Pace to a model designed from the ground up for ride-hailing. Built by China's Zeekr, the vehicle features a spacious interior with a flat floor, low step-in height, and dual sliding doors for easier access. The cabin includes three touchscreens for passengers to control climate and audio, along with accessibility features such as braille markings and grab bars.

Underpinning the new vehicle is Waymo's sixth-generation Driver, an autonomous system the company says is better equipped to handle challenging conditions like rain, snow, and nighttime driving. The hardware suite uses fewer but more capable sensors, including a new 17-megapixel imager and upgraded lidar...