Waymo is rebranding its Zeekr robotaxi

Waymo has been diligently enhancing and testing a minivan-style vehicle created by the Chinese automaker Zeekr over the past three years. Ahead of its integration into Waymo’s commercial fleet, the vehicle is receiving a fresh identity. The company has announced that the Zeekr RT robotaxi will now be called Ojai, pronounced “oh-hi.” This name pays homage to a village nestled in the Topatopa Mountains near Los Angeles, renowned for its artistic community and wellness initiatives. According to Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli, the decision to rebrand stems from the realization that the U.S. public is largely unfamiliar with the Zeekr name. This change could also enhance the rider experience; when passengers enter the Ojai, the robotaxi will greet them with a personalized “Oh hi” along with their name. This friendly touch adds a charming aspect to the experience. Waymo initially partnered with Zeekr, owned by Geely Holding Group, back in 2021 and showcased a concept of the purpose-built robotaxi at a high-profile event in Los Angeles the following year. The prototype was designed using Zeekr’s SEA-M architecture, intended for innovative mobility solutions like robotaxis and logistics vehicles. Notably, the original prototype did not feature a steering wheel, a design choice that has changed for the Ojai. The Ojai, presented at CES 2026, has undergone extensive development and fine-tuning, having been tested in major cities like Phoenix and San Francisco. At last year's CES, Waymo introduced the robotaxi under its previous name, Zeekr RT, displaying its advanced hardware, which includes 13 cameras, four lidar sensors, six radar units, and a unique set of external audio receivers alongside remarkably small sensor wipers. While the technological suite remains unchanged, the vehicle's paint color has shifted from a bluish tint to a more silver hue. These final modifications come just before the Ojai's expected launch into commercial service. Currently, Waymo employees and their families can hail the newly named van in San Francisco and Phoenix, marking a significant step toward public availability. As part of its rapid expansion plan, Waymo aims to introduce its robotaxi service in a dozen additional cities within the year, including Denver, Las Vegas, and London.