Alphabet’s autonomous driving subsidiary, Waymo, is reportedly in discussions with Hyundai to produce its next generation of self-driving taxis using IONIQ 5 electric vehicles (EVs).

According to Electronic Times as cited by Reuters, the talks center around using Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 EVs as the platform for Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous driving technology. Sources indicate that officials from both companies have met at least three times to discuss the potential partnership. 

If realized, this collaboration could see the IONIQ 5 replace vehicles based on a platform from ZEEKR, which Waymo had previously announced for its self-driving taxi service.

The timing of these reported talks coincides with significant geopolitical developments. The Biden administration recently announced a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs, set to take effect on September 27, 2023. This move has likely prompted Waymo to explore alternatives to its planned use of ZEEKR EVs.

A Waymo spokesperson declined to comment on speculation but emphasized that the company is “hard at work validating the 6th-generation Waymo Driver on the Zeekr platform and intend to introduce it into our fleet when ready,” according to Reuters. Similarly, Hyundai Motor Group stated that “nothing is determined at this stage about new businesses,” regarding plans to sell its vehicle platform to self-driving technology companies.

Zeekr, for its part, insists that there is “no change to Zeekr’s partnership with Waymo,” adding that they are “actively working together to deploy the vehicles.”

This potential shift comes at a time of significant investment and expansion for Waymo. In July, Alphabet announced a planned $5 billion investment in Waymo over a multi-year period to support the company’s growth and the expansion of its autonomous ride-hailing services. Waymo currently operates self-driving taxi services in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, using vehicles from manufacturers such as Stellantis and Jaguar Land Rover.

The IONIQ 5 is not new to the world of autonomous vehicles. It was previously slated to become a self-driving taxi under Motional, a joint venture between Hyundai and automotive supplier Aptiv. However, Motional recently delayed its plans to launch a robotaxi service using the next-generation Hyundai IONIQ 5 until 2026, following significant layoffs in the country.

Read More: Waymo Unveils Game-Changing “Generation 6” Robotaxi Technology With 360-Degree View

If the reported talks between Waymo and Hyundai come to fruition, the collaboration would bring together Waymo’s advanced self-driving technology with Hyundai’s expertise in EV manufacturing, potentially accelerating the deployment of next-generation autonomous taxis.

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