# Waymo importation of Chinese-made robotaxis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/waymo-importation-of-chinese-made-robotaxis
> Updated: 2026-08-16T05:00:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Waymo, an Alphabet subsidiary, is importing approximately 3,200 Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles to support its autonomous ride-hailing fleet in the United States. The vehicles, identified as ‘Ojai’ models in the U.S. and ‘CM1e’ in China, are produced by Zeekr, a brand under Geely Holding Group, at a facility in Ningbo, China.

Despite facing significant import tariffs—reported as 102.5% in one instance and roughly 127.5% in another—Waymo is utilizing these vehicles for its commercial network in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. The company uses the Zeekr platform as a more economical alternative to its previous Jaguar I-Pace platform. While the vehicle bodies, batteries, and powertrains are manufactured in China, Waymo installs its proprietary sixth-generation ‘Driver’ autonomous hardware and software within the U.S.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: Waymo imports Chinese Zeekr EVs for robotaxi fleet despite high tariffs

Waymo is importing thousands of Chinese-made Zeekr electric vehicles for its robotaxi fleet, absorbing high US import tariffs to build its autonomous ride-hailing network.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/waymo-imports-chinese-zeekr-evs-for-robotaxi-fleet-despite-high-tariffs

### 2026-08-13: Waymo imports 3,200 Chinese-made robotaxis despite 102.5% tariff

Waymo has imported over 3,200 Zeekr-made Ojai robotaxis from China to the U.S., despite 102.5% tariffs, to expand its autonomous ride-hailing services.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/waymo-imports-3200-chinese-made-robotaxis-despite-1025-tariff

---
Cite as: Waymo importation of Chinese-made robotaxis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/waymo-importation-of-chinese-made-robotaxis