Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has imported more than 3,200 Zeekr-based Ojai robotaxis into the United States, even as a 102.5% tariff applies to these vehicles. The move comes as Waymo expands its autonomous ride-hailing fleet with Chinese-built vehicles, which are then equipped with US-developed autonomous systems.
Thousands of Zeekr Ojai Robotaxis Shipped to the US
According to Forbes, Waymo imported over 3,200 Zeekr Ojai robotaxis into the US, with more than 2,600 of those shipments recorded in 2026. Recent footage shared by David Moss shows hundreds of these vehicles parked at a Waymo facility in Mesa, Arizona.
The Ojai, built by Zeekr—Geely Group’s electric vehicle brand—in Ningbo, China, is identified as the CM1e in customs and industry records. The vehicles entered the Waymo fleet and began public rides in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles in 2026.
Technical Details: Ojai’s Platform and Integration
The Ojai is based on Geely’s SEA-M architecture, which originated with the Zeekr M-Vision concept unveiled in 2022 for Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing program. The production version later appeared under the CM-series designation.
Key specifications include an 800V electrical system, a 93 kWh battery, and a single rear electric motor rated at 200 kW (268 hp). The vehicle features dual B-pillarless sliding doors and uses redundant drive-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems.
For the Waymo program, the vehicles are imported before the autonomous-driving system is installed. The Chinese-built portion includes the body, battery, and electric drivetrain, while Waymo’s autonomous-driving hardware and software are added in the United States.
The Ojai uses Waymo’s sixth-generation Driver, introduced in 2026, which includes four LiDAR sensors, six radar units, and 13 cameras. Waymo stated that this streamlined hardware configuration was developed to reduce cost while expanding operational capabilities.
Cost Comparison and Tariff Impact
US import declarations list the ex-factory value of the Ojai’s CM1e chassis at approximately $38,000 (~AUD 53,808) to $38,500 (~AUD 54,516) per vehicle. With the 102.5% tariff applied, the landed chassis cost rises to about $78,000 (~AUD 110,448).
Waymo has disclosed a Gen 6 hardware cost of about $25,000 (~AUD 35,400). Combining this with the chassis cost results in an estimated $103,000 (~AUD 145,848) for the vehicle and autonomous-driving hardware before final US integration. The final integration cost is not public, so this figure does not represent the total cost.
For comparison, Waymo’s previous Jaguar I-Pace-based fifth-generation vehicles were estimated at $200,000 (~AUD 283,200) per unit, with about $75,000 (~AUD 106,200) for the vehicle and $125,000 (~AUD 177,000) for autonomous-driving hardware. The Ojai’s estimated cost is roughly 48.5% lower.
Market and Political Context
The SEA-M platform used by the Ojai is also found in the consumer Zeekr Mix, which entered the Chinese market in 2024 at $41,200 (~AUD 58,339). While the Mix and Ojai share architecture, they are separate configurations.
In June 2026, Zeekr Mix recorded 4 units sold in China, compared to 7,837 for the 007 GT, 5,817 for the 9X, and 3,935 for the 8X, according to China EV DataTracker.
Waymo’s use of Chinese-built vehicles has drawn political attention. Senator Bernie Moreno criticized the company’s relationship with Geely and Zeekr during a Senate hearing in February 2026, calling for restrictions on Chinese automotive hardware and partnerships.
Waymo confirmed in May that the Ojai was entering public service, initially in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.
Why this matters
Waymo’s large-scale import of Chinese-built robotaxis highlights the company’s approach to sourcing hardware for its autonomous fleet, even in the face of significant tariffs. The cost reduction compared to previous platforms could influence the economics of autonomous ride-hailing services in the US.
The political scrutiny surrounding these imports also underscores ongoing debates about the role of Chinese automotive technology in the US market and the regulatory environment for autonomous vehicles.
What this means for buyers
For consumers, the deployment of the Zeekr Ojai robotaxi means expanded access to autonomous ride-hailing services in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. However, the political and regulatory environment may affect the future availability or sourcing of such vehicles.
Those interested in autonomous mobility should monitor how regulatory discussions and tariff policies evolve, as these factors could impact the cost and rollout of future robotaxi platforms.
Key Specs
- Imported Units (2026): Over 2,600
- Total Imported Units (Cumulative): Over 3,200
- Tariff Rate: 102.5%
- Chassis Ex-Factory Value: $38,000 (~AUD 53,808) to $38,500 (~AUD 54,516)
- Estimated Landed Chassis Cost (with Tariff): $78,000 (~AUD 110,448)
- Waymo Gen 6 Hardware Cost: $25,000 (~AUD 35,400)
- Estimated Vehicle + Hardware Cost (pre-integration): $103,000 (~AUD 145,848)
- Battery Capacity: 93 kWh
