Jaguar Land Rover and Waymo have announced a long-term partnership that will begin with the launch of the self-driving I-Pace, the first premium self-driving electric vehicle in Waymo’s fleet.
The first Waymo self-driving I-Pace will start tests in 2018 and become part of Waymo’s driverless fleet from 2020. Up to 20,000 vehicles are set to join the driverless service provider’s fleet in the first two years of production, serving a potential one million trips per day. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Waymo will also explore other collaborations in the future.
Waymo, formerly the Google self-driving car project, will work with JLR to design and engineer the self-driving I-Pace. This long-term strategic collaboration will further Waymo and Jaguar Land Rover’s shared goals: to make cars safer, free up people’s valuable time, and improve mobility for everyone.
The I-Pace, JLR’s first full-electric SUV, will be equipped with Waymo’s self-driving technology. On-road testing and the capture of real-world data will allow Waymo and JLR engineers to refine the technology and deliver optimum safety and reliability.
“With the Jaguar I-Pace we have a world-beating car that’s captured the imagination of customers around the world. Our passion for further advancing smart mobility needs expert long-term partners. In joining forces with Waymo we are pioneering to push the boundaries of technology. Together we will deliver the self-driving Waymo Jaguar I-Pace with the grace, space and eco-pace that customers expect,” said Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover chief executive officer.
“While we’ve been focused at Waymo on building the world’s most experienced driver, the team at Jaguar Land Rover has developed an all-new battery-electric platform that looks to set a new standard in safety, design and capability,” added John Krafcik, Waymo chief executive officer.
“We’re sure Waymo riders will enjoy the safe, premium and delightful experience that the self-driving I-Pace will provide.”
