Waymo’s Latest Robotaxi Gets a New Name: Ojai
Waymo has been diligently perfecting a minivan-style vehicle created by Chinese automaker Zeekr over the past three years. Before this autonomous vehicle officially joins Waymo’s commercial fleet, it is undergoing a rebranding process. The company recently revealed to JS that the Zeekr RT robotaxi will now be known as Ojai (pronounced “oh-hi”).
According to Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli, the decision to rename the vehicle was influenced by the lack of recognition of the Zeekr brand among the U.S. public. This rebranding effort may extend to the overall rider experience, as the Ojai robotaxi is expected to greet passengers with a friendly “Oh hi” and their name upon entry.
Waymo initially partnered with Geely Holding Group-owned Zeekr in 2021, showcasing a concept robotaxi based on Zeekr’s SEA-M architecture at a high-profile event in Los Angeles the following year. The prototype, which lacked a steering wheel, has since evolved into the Ojai model, unveiled at CES 2026.
The Ojai has undergone significant refinement during its testing phase in cities like Phoenix and San Francisco. Equipped with advanced hardware including cameras, lidar, radar, and sensor wipers, the Ojai is now ready for commercial deployment. Waymo employees in San Francisco and Phoenix can already hail the Ojai, indicating its imminent public availability.
Waymo’s expansion plans include launching its robotaxi service in a dozen more cities within the next year, including Denver, Las Vegas, and London. This growth highlights the company’s commitment to revolutionizing urban mobility through autonomous technology.