The IONIQ 5 SUV, further solidifies Hyundai’s position in the electric vehicle (EV) space and Waymo’s leadership in autonomous technology. In an exciting development for the future of autonomous driving, Hyundai Motor Company and Waymo have entered into a multi-year strategic partnership. This collaboration, announced on October 4, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the automotive and tech industries, as both companies aim to offer a safe, sustainable, and convenient autonomous driving experience. The first phase of this partnership will see Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous driving technology integrated into Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV.
Waymo Driver Technology Meets the IONIQ 5
Integrating Waymo’s fully autonomous technology, the Waymo Driver, into the IONIQ 5 will set a new standard for self-driving EVs. Waymo plans to add these IONIQ 5 vehicles to its Waymo One fleet over time, offering a cutting-edge transportation experience to riders. Hyundai will assemble these vehicles at its state-of-the-art EV manufacturing facility, the Hyundai Motor Group Meta-plant America (HMGMA) in Georgia; before they are fitted with Waymo’s advanced autonomous driving systems.
This partnership is expected to yield a significant fleet of Waymo-enabled IONIQ 5s over multiple years, supporting the expansion of the Waymo One ride-hailing service. Initial road testing of these vehicles is set to begin in late 2025, with full deployment to Waymo One riders anticipated shortly thereafter.
Strategic Partnership to Drive Autonomous Innovation
This collaboration aligns with both companies’ visions to enhance transportation’s safety, efficiency, and convenience through advanced technology. As Waymo continues its mission to become the world’s most trusted autonomous driver, Hyundai’s commitment to sustainability and EV innovation makes it the perfect partner.
Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) Division, also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “This collaboration with Waymo marks the first step in our broader goal of offering vehicles capable of implementing SAE Level 4 or higher autonomous driving technology. We are thrilled to have Waymo as our first partner in this journey.”
The Autonomous-Ready IONIQ 5: Built for the Future
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has already earned accolades for its design, performance, and sustainability, and now it will be outfitted with modifications to support autonomous driving. These modifications include redundant hardware systems and power doors to ensure the vehicle is ready for the rigors of autonomous operation. The IONIQ 5’s 800-volt architecture allows it to charge quickly, minimizing downtime and ensuring that it can handle long driving shifts on a single charge.
In addition to its technical advancements, the IONIQ 5’s spacious interior, ample legroom, and generous cargo space will offer Waymo One riders a comfortable and luxurious travel experience. The vehicle’s combination of performance and rider comfort makes it an ideal platform for autonomous mobility.
A Broader Vision for the Future
As the Hyundai-Waymo partnership progresses, both companies are actively exploring additional opportunities for collaboration. This partnership is just the beginning, and the potential for further innovation in autonomous driving, EV development, and smart mobility solutions is immense. Hyundai’s commitment to its autonomous vehicle foundry business, designed to supply the global market with advanced autonomous-ready vehicles, will play a crucial role in this evolution.
This partnership between Hyundai and Waymo is expected to not only accelerate the adoption of autonomous driving technology but also reshape the landscape of mobility solutions worldwide.
Conclusion
The Hyundai and Waymo partnership represents a transformative leap toward the future of autonomous driving and sustainable transportation. With Hyundai’s award-winning IONIQ 5 and Waymo’s leading-edge autonomous technology, this collaboration is poised to bring safer, more efficient, and more convenient mobility solutions to a wider audience. The first phase of this partnership, focused on integrating Waymo Driver technology into the IONIQ 5, sets the stage for further advancements in autonomous driving and electric vehicle innovation, promising a bright future for both companies and their customers