Hyundai to build tens of thousands of Ioniq 5 robotaxis for Waymo in the US — InsideEVs
Hyundai plans to build “tens of thousands” of robotaxis based on the Ioniq 5 electric crossover for Waymo at its plant in Savannah, Georgia, United States. Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO José Muñoz said this, InsideEVs reports.
Deliveries for Waymo
Hyundai and Waymo signed a vehicle manufacturing agreement in 2024. At the time, the companies said they intended to supply a significant volume of vehicles, but did not specify an exact number. Muñoz has now clarified that this involves tens of thousands of Ioniq 5 robotaxis.
Hyundai plans to deliver the first Ioniq 5 vehicles intended for more than just testing to Waymo in the fourth quarter. They will feature Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous driving hardware — the same hardware used in the Zeekr minivans operated by the company.
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Unlike the Zeekr minivans, which Waymo independently equips with sensors at a facility in Arizona, the Ioniq 5 vehicles will leave the factory already fitted with the required autonomous driving equipment. According to Muñoz, robotaxi production is already a profitable business line for Hyundai.
Changes to production plans
The head of Hyundai also said that the company adjusted the production capacity of its Georgia facility: output of hybrid vehicles was increased and electric vehicle production was reduced. He linked the search for new directions for electric cars with the possibility of robotaxi deliveries.
Waymo’s fleet currently numbers about 4,000 vehicles in 14 US cities. Hyundai also produces the Ioniq 5 for the autonomous transportation unit Motional. Muñoz said there is significant potential to scale the robotaxi business and noted that other customers are showing interest in this area.
