Waymo, Google’s sibling company, is boldly marching toward the future of transportation amidst the ongoing uncertainties surrounding autonomous vehicles. In a notable announcement, the company revealed a collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover to acquire and implement up to 20,000 of the new I-Pace SUVs for its driverless ride-hailing services.
The all-electric Jaguar I-Pace stands out as one of the most visually appealing next-generation SUVs on the market. It boasts a sleek design and modern aesthetics. Moreover, as an electric vehicle, it is equipped with Waymo’s advanced sensors and software, positioning it to eventually replace the Chrysler Pacifica minivans currently in use in Arizona.
According to Waymo, with a full fleet of 20,000 I-Paces, the company aims to offer nearly a million rides daily within a few years. This ambitious target is nothing short of remarkable and has the potential to transform urban commuting by providing an alternative transportation platform alongside public transit, potentially enhancing safety compared to traditional human-driven vehicles.
The ride-hailing service plans to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, allowing customers to select a vehicle that suits their specific needs. Whether it’s for telecommuting, a night out with friends, or simply a place to relax, riders can enjoy their journey while Waymo takes care of the driving. This concept, which may sound far-fetched today, could become commonplace within the next decade.
In addition to the collaboration, the prospect of technology sharing is an intriguing possibility. Waymo has been refining its autonomous driving technology for some time, and may also explore licensing its solutions to Jaguar Land Rover for integration into their consumer vehicles, providing a polished product for the market.
Waymo is set to commence tests of the I-Pace later this year..
