At a glance
Waymo’s rider fleet includes the electric Jaguar I-PACE and Ojai. The Waymo Driver is the automated driving system integrated into the vehicle; buying a retail car of the same make does not include that system.
Waymo vehicles: the practical differences
Vehicle introductions happen gradually. Use the booking app for the car assigned to your trip rather than choosing a destination solely to encounter a particular platform. Waymo’s emergency-response resources also distinguish vehicle platforms; they are not retail order guides.
| Vehicle | Role described by Waymo | What a rider should infer |
|---|---|---|
| Jaguar I-PACE | Electric SUV with the fifth-generation Waymo Driver | The sensors and driving system are integrated fleet equipment. |
| Ojai | Purpose-built ride-hail vehicle introducing the sixth-generation Waymo Driver | Rollout and assignment depend on the local fleet. |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | Announced partnership for vehicles with sixth-generation Waymo technology | A partnership or test vehicle is not a guarantee of a bookable ride in your city. |
What are the sensors on a Waymo car?
Waymo describes a combination of cameras, lidar and radar. The sensor housings contain equipment used to understand the surroundings; the visible roof unit is only one part of the system.
Different generations use different hardware. Avoid applying a sensor count from an older Jaguar description to every Ojai or future fleet vehicle. The sixth-generation design also describes measures to improve performance in challenging weather. That does not establish unlimited all-weather operation.
How much does a Waymo car cost?
Three different questions are often mixed together: the retail price of a base vehicle, the cost of the integrated autonomous fleet vehicle, and the fare a passenger pays. They are not interchangeable.
We do not have a verified public retail purchase price for a complete Waymo Driver-equipped car. Adding a guessed sensor bill to an old Jaguar MSRP would create a misleading price. For a ride, use the app’s fare quote; for personal ownership, compare vehicles in our driver-assistance catalog.
Choose the service before the vehicle
- Confirm that your pickup and destination are served.
- Check passenger capacity, baggage and accessibility for the assigned car.
- Follow vehicle identification and boarding instructions in the app.
- Look up the booking method for your city; some markets use Uber.
Common questions
Is every Waymo a Jaguar?
No. Waymo identifies both Jaguar I-PACE and Ojai vehicles in its fleet and has announced a Hyundai partnership.
Can I turn a retail I-PACE into a Waymo?
A retail vehicle does not come with the integrated Waymo Driver. This guide does not identify a consumer conversion product or a complete fleet-vehicle retail offer.
Explore the related guides
Robotaxis
How to Ride Waymo: Availability, Booking & Fares
Plan a Waymo ride, check service boundaries and compare an actual fare quote before booking.
Robotaxis
Waymo Cost: Fares & Ride Price Comparison
Understand fare quotes and compare the same trip across services. Use our calculator with your own quotes.
Learn
How Do Self-Driving Cars Work?
Follow the sensing, perception, prediction, planning and control loop—and see why driving assistance and driverless operation are different.
Sources & research
Based on the linked documentation. This is a research guide; availability, equipment and terms can change. Confirm the exact vehicle or trip with the provider.