Waymo Opens Cheaper Ojai Robotaxis to All Riders in Three Cities
Waymo opens its lower-cost Ojai robotaxi to all riders in Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco, with 5,000 U.S. imports forecast by the end of 2026.
Summary
On August 19, 2026, Alphabet’s Waymo opened its next-generation Ojai robotaxi to all riders in Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco. Customers may now be matched with an Ojai, pronounced “oh-hi.” The commercial fleet has about 300, and once Waymo has enough, riders can choose Ojai or the older all-electric Jaguar I-Pace. Denver, Las Vegas and San Diego follow later in 2026, while Waymo’s robotaxi fleet now operates in 11 U.S. cities.
Designed to reduce construction, operating and maintenance costs while advancing mass scale and eventual profitability, Ojai combines Waymo’s modular sixth-generation self-driving system with a redesigned interface and Google’s Gemini in-car assistant. The minivan uses Zeekr’s SEA-M platform, an updated Sustainable Experience Architecture for robotaxis and delivery vans. Waymo partnered with the Geely Holding Group-owned Chinese brand in 2021, then tested prototype and production-intent vehicles for accessibility, durability and near-constant use. Base vehicles arrive without Chinese connected-car technology, but steep U.S. tariffs increase costs before Waymo installs its autonomous system at its Arizona factory. New York research firm MoffettNathanson, tracking shipping receipts, forecasts 5,000 U.S. Ojai imports by the end of 2026, more than twice the current Jaguar fleet; 725 arrived in July alone.
Positives
- About 300 Ojai robotaxis are already operating commercially across Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco.
- Denver, Las Vegas and San Diego are scheduled to receive Ojai vehicles later in 2026.
- Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous system is modular and designed to work across multiple vehicle types.
- 725 Ojai vehicles entered the United States in July, demonstrating a rapid fleet expansion pace.
- MoffettNathanson forecasts 5,000 U.S. Ojai imports by the end of 2026, more than twice Waymo’s current Jaguar fleet.
Risks & concerns
- Steep U.S. tariffs on vehicles built in China increase Waymo’s cost for every imported Ojai.
- Only about 300 Ojais are currently commercial, so customers cannot yet select one instead of a Jaguar I-Pace.
- Mass scale and profitability remain future objectives despite Ojai’s lower anticipated construction, operating and maintenance costs.