Waymo expands robotaxi services to new US cities with Zeekr CM1e platform

On September 1, 2026, Waymo began transporting the public in Denver, San Diego, and Tampa, expanding its network to 14 US cities offering fully autonomous rides. The Waymo Ojai robotaxi is based on the electric Zeekr CM1e platform. By the end of August 2026, more than 3,200 chassis for these robotaxi services had passed through the Port of Los Angeles, with approximately 2,900 in hardware integration and 300 completed vehicles already operating commercially. The 6th generation Waymo Driver uses a sensor suite including 4 lidars, 6 radars, and 13 external cameras to enable full autonomy. Regarding vehicle design, the Zeekr CM1e measures 4,640 mm long, has a 3,000 mm wheelbase, a rear electric motor producing 200 kW and 342 Nm of torque, and a 93 kWh battery.

The bodywork is specifically designed for robotaxi purposes—lacking a central pillar and featuring doors that open opposite each other to enhance passenger comfort. The fully equipped robotaxi with Waymo hardware costs between $103,000 and $110,000, significantly less than the previous Jaguar I-Pace model, which cost about $200,000 per unit. Currently, Waymo surpasses half a million fully autonomous rides per week, targeting one million by the end of 2026.

Waymo is expanding its autonomous transportation services to new US regions, increasing public access to this technology. The Zeekr CM1e platform is optimized for robotaxi operation, emphasizing comfort, efficiency, and lower costs compared to earlier models. The advanced Waymo Driver 6th generation system ensures safe and reliable vehicle control in urban environments. The goal of reaching one million fully autonomous rides per week indicates rapid growth and adoption of this transportation mode in the US.