Waymo has imported over 3,200 Ojai robotaxis, built by Chinese Zeekr, into the USA. More than 2,600 vehicles arrived in 2026 alone. At the same time, Chinese electric vehicles are subject to a tariff burden of 102.5%.

At first glance, the decision seems strange. But Ojai was created specifically for Waymo and uses Geely's SEA-M platform. The Chinese side supplies the body, battery, and electric powertrain, while Waymo installs its own autonomous driving system in the USA.

Technically, Ojai received an 800-volt architecture, a 93 kWh battery, and a 200 kW rear electric motor. The sixth generation of Waymo Driver uses four LiDARs, six radars, and 13 cameras — with fewer sensors than the previous system.

Economics explains the choice. According to import declarations, the cost of the basic chassis is about $38,000–$38,500 (about 3.1 million rubles). Even after applying the 102.5% tariff, the estimated cost reaches approximately $78,000 (about 6.5 million rubles). Including autonomous driving equipment, it comes to about $103,000 (about 8.5 million rubles) before final integration. This is almost half the estimated $200,000 for the previous Waymo based on the Jaguar I-Pace.

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