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Waymo’s Zeekr Robotaxi Gets a New Name: Ojai
Waymo, the self-driving car project of Alphabet Inc., has been refining and testing a minivan-like vehicle made by Chinese automaker Zeekr for the past three years. As the robotaxi prepares to join Waymo’s official commercial fleet, it’s getting a new name: Ojai, pronounced “oh-hi”. The name change is reportedly due to the fact that the U.S. public is not familiar with the Zeekr brand.
The Ojai name is inspired by the village in the Topatopa Mountains above Los Angeles, known for its arts community and focus on wellness. According to Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli, the company wants to create a more approachable and user-friendly experience for its customers. When riders get into the Ojai, the robotaxi will greet them with an “Oh hi” and their name, adding a touch of personality to the ride.
Partnership and Development
Waymo first partnered with Geely Holding Group-owned Zeekr in 2021, with the goal of developing a purpose-built robotaxi. The following year, Waymo showcased a concept of the vehicle at an event in Los Angeles, based on Zeekr’s SEA-M architecture designed for “future mobility products” like robotaxis and logistics vehicles. The prototype didn’t have a steering wheel, but the Ojai version, shown off at CES 2026, does.
The Zeekr RT, now known as Ojai, has undergone significant fine-tuning over the years, with testing in cities like Phoenix and San Francisco. The vehicle features an impressive hardware suite, including 13 cameras, four lidar, six radar, an array of external audio receivers, and tiny sensor wipers. The paint color has also been tweaked, changing from a blueish tint to a more silver tone.
Commercial Launch and Expansion
With the final tweaks in place, the Ojai is set to launch into commercial service soon. Waymo employees, and their family and friends, can already hail the vehicle in San Francisco and Phoenix, a typical step before it becomes available to the public. Waymo is in the midst of a rapid expansion, with plans to launch its commercial robotaxi service in a dozen more cities over the next year, including Denver, Las Vegas, and London.
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