Waymo imports 3,200 Chinese-made robotaxis despite 102.5% tariff

Waymo, an Alphabet subsidiary, has imported more than 3,200 Ojai robotaxis into the United States despite facing import tariffs of 102.5%. The vehicles are manufactured by Zeekr, an electric vehicle brand under Geely Holding Group, at a facility in Ningbo, China.

The Ojai models, identified in customs documents by the internal code CM1e, are being integrated into Waymo’s fleet to serve public rides in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. While the vehicle bodies, batteries, and electric powertrains are produced in China, Waymo installs its proprietary autonomous driving hardware and software in the U.S.

The Ojai utilizes Waymo’s sixth-generation ‘Driver’ system, which features four LiDAR sensors, six radars, and 13 cameras. This hardware configuration is designed to reduce costs and expand operational capabilities. The vehicle architecture is based on Geely’s SEA-M platform, originally derived from the Zeekr M-Vision concept developed specifically for Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing program.