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Hyundai and Waymo Partner to Launch Autonomous EVs

Hyundai and Waymo announce a strategic partnership to integrate autonomous driving technology into Hyundai's all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV.

Maria Guerra, Senior Editor-Battery Technology

October 7, 2024

3 Min Read
Autonomous driving and electric vehicles
Hyundai and Waymo announce strategic partnershipCourtesy of Waymo

Autonomous driving and electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming the future of transportation by improving road safety, reducing emissions, and lowering operational costs. Autonomous systems minimize human error, enhance traffic efficiency, and reduce fuel consumption, while EVs offer zero emissions and reduced maintenance. Together, they represent the next frontier in sustainable mobility, potentially transforming urban transportation and logistics. Building on this momentum, Hyundai and Waymo have announced a strategic partnership to integrate Waymo’s autonomous driving technology into Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5, marking a significant step toward scaling autonomous EV fleets.

The companies have announced a multi-year strategic partnership to integrate Waymo’s fully autonomous driving technology into Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV. The first phase will involve Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous system, Waymo Driver, being installed in the IONIQ 5, which will then be added to Waymo One’s fleet. The vehicles will be assembled at Hyundai’s new EV manufacturing facility in Georgia, with production set to ramp up over multiple years to support Waymo's growing operations. Initial testing with Waymo-enabled IONIQ 5s is scheduled for late 2025, with availability for Waymo One riders following.

Related:Video: Jeep Teases the All-Electric Wagoneer S

“We are thrilled to partner with Hyundai as we further our mission to be the world’s most trusted driver,” said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo. “Hyundai’s focus on sustainability and strong electric vehicle roadmap makes them a great partner for us as we bring our fully autonomous service to more riders in more places.”

José Muñoz, president and global COO of Hyundai Motor Company, emphasized the shared vision between the two companies: “Hyundai and Waymo share a vision to improve the safety, efficiency, and convenience of how people move. Waymo’s transformational technology is improving road safety where they operate, and the IONIQ 5 is the ideal vehicle to scale this further.” This partnership also marks Hyundai’s first venture in its newly launched autonomous vehicle foundry business, with the aim to provide global autonomous driving companies with vehicles capable of implementing SAE Level 4 or higher autonomous driving technology.

Benefits for the EV market

The partnership between Hyundai and Waymo to integrate autonomous driving technology into electric vehicles (EVs) offers several key benefits for the EV market:

  1. Enhanced Safety: Autonomous driving technology, like Waymo’s fully autonomous system, promises to reduce human error, which is a leading cause of accidents. By combining this technology with Hyundai’s IONIQ 5, the partnership aims to make EVs safer, further increasing their appeal to consumers.

  2. Improved Efficiency: Autonomous EVs can optimize driving behaviors such as acceleration, braking, and route planning, leading to better energy efficiency. This results in fewer emissions and longer driving ranges, making EVs even more eco-friendly.

  3. Increased Adoption of EVs: Introducing autonomous technology in electric vehicles can encourage greater consumer interest in EVs, particularly for ride-hailing and delivery services. Companies like Waymo adopting EVs signals a broader shift toward sustainable transportation, helping accelerate EV adoption.

Related:Hyundai Previews Upcoming Hydrogen Fuel Cell Passenger Car with INITIUM Concept

Partnerships like Hyundai and Waymo will play a key role in shaping this evolution, making transportation safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly for future generations. The future of electric vehicles is poised for rapid expansion, driven by advancements in autonomous technology, sustainability goals, and increasing consumer demand.

About the Author

Maria Guerra

Senior Editor-Battery Technology, Informa Markets Engineering

Battery Technology Senior Editor Maria L. Guerra is an electrical engineer with a background in Oil & Gas consulting and experience as a Power/Analog Editor for Electronic Design.  Maria graduated from NYU Tandon School of Engineering with a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE). She combines her technical expertise with her knack for writing. 

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