Hyundai Motor Company and Waymo have formed a long-term strategic partnership, advancing the progress of autonomous driving technology significantly. This collaboration begins with the integration of Waymo’s fully autonomous driving system into Hyundai’s all-electric Ioniq 5, creating a vehicle designed specifically for Waymo’s self-driving fleet. This initiative underscores both companies’ commitment to innovation and sustainability as they work together to bring autonomous transportation to more people and places.
The initial phase of the partnership focuses on outfitting the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with Waymo’s Driver, an advanced autonomous driving platform. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 vehicles will be assembled at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), a new electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility located in Georgia. This facility will produce Ioniq 5 vehicles in significant quantities over the course of multiple years to meet Waymo’s growing demand as it scales up its Waymo One service. By 2025, Hyundai and Waymo expect to have completed initial testing, with plans for Waymo One riders to experience the autonomous Ioniq 5 shortly thereafter.
Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Hyundai’s focus on sustainability and their strong roadmap for electric vehicles make them an ideal partner for Waymo. Together, we are bringing fully autonomous services to more communities, meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly and technologically advanced transportation options.”
José Muñoz, Hyundai’s President and Global COO, and the President and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, shared similar sentiments: “Our team at the new Georgia facility is prepared to dedicate a substantial number of vehicles to Waymo’s autonomous fleet. This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting journey for both companies as we explore additional opportunities for future collaboration.”
The Ioniq 5 vehicles delivered to Waymo will feature autonomous-ready modifications, including redundant hardware and specialized power doors.These enhancements will ensure the vehicles meet the unique needs of an autonomous fleet, prioritizing both safety and functionality. The Ioniq 5’s 800V architecture will allow for rapid charging, enabling the vehicle to cover long distances on a single charge and reducing downtime between trips. This feature aligns with Hyundai’s emphasis on producing sustainable EVs capable of meeting the demands of a continuously operating fleet.
In addition to focusing on vehicle production and technology integration, Hyundai and Waymo are exploring future collaborative opportunities within this partnership. The companies aim to push the boundaries of autonomous and electric mobility by addressing key industry challenges, such as scalability, charging infrastructure, and vehicle safety.
By joining forces, Hyundai and Waymo are leveraging their strengths to expand the presence of autonomous vehicles on the road. Hyundai brings its expertise in vehicle design, sustainable manufacturing, and advanced EV technology, while Waymo contributes its leadership in autonomous driving systems and AI-driven technology. Together, they envision a future where transportation is not only autonomous but also sustainable, efficient, and widely accessible.
Through this partnership, Hyundai and Waymo are setting a new standard in the automotive industry, showing that autonomous technology and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. As testing begins in 2025, followed by a phased rollout to Waymo One users, this partnership has the potential to reshape the future of autonomous transportation, offering a cleaner, safer, and more efficient way for people to move around in cities across the United States and, eventually, beyond.
