You can now ride a Chinese EV in the US as Waymo opens Zeekr Ojai to all

Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service to All Riders in U.S. with Chinese-Made Zeekr Ojai

San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix are now home to a unique driving experience—one that pairs cutting-edge autonomous technology with a vehicle built on the other side of the world. Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous ride-hailing division, has opened access to its next-generation robotaxi fleet to all riders, featuring the Zeekr Ojai, an all-electric compact crossover manufactured by Chinese automaker Zeekr. While Canadian drivers still can’t legally purchase this Chinese-made EV for personal use, they can now hail one as a passenger in select U.S. cities—offering a rare glimpse into the future of mobility and international EV collaboration.

This expansion marks a significant step in Waymo’s commercial robotaxi service, which has been operating in limited capacity since late 2024. The inclusion of the Zeekr Ojai—one of the first Chinese-brand EVs to be deployed in large-scale U.S. autonomous fleets—underscores the growing integration of global manufacturing in the autonomous vehicle ecosystem. Unlike traditional taxis or ride-hailing services, these robotaxis operate without human drivers, relying entirely on Waymo’s advanced sensor suite, AI software, and redundant safety systems.

The Zeekr Ojai, built on Geely’s SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform, is a 100% electric SUV designed for urban mobility. It features up to 400 km of range (WLTP), fast-charging capability, and spacious seating for five. While Zeekr has not officially announced plans to enter the Canadian market, the Ojai’s presence in U.S. Waymo fleets has sparked curiosity among Canadian EV enthusiasts about the potential for similar vehicles to arrive north of the border.

For Canadian readers, this development holds several points of interest. First, it highlights the accelerating convergence of global EV supply chains. While Chinese automakers like Zeekr and BYD have not yet established major manufacturing or retail presence in Canada, their vehicles are increasingly appearing in international fleets—especially in autonomous and shared mobility applications. Canadian regulators and consumers are closely watching this trend, as it could influence future EV availability and pricing in the country.

Second, the expansion underscores the rapid progress in autonomous vehicle technology. Waymo’s latest fleet, which includes the Ojai, operates under Level 4 autonomy, meaning the vehicles can handle all driving tasks in designated areas without human intervention. This is a leap forward from earlier robotaxi pilots, which often required remote supervision or safety drivers. With full public access now available, riders can experience firsthand how autonomy is reshaping urban transportation.

Third, the service offers a practical alternative in congested cities where car ownership is increasingly costly. In Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal—where parking shortages and high vehicle prices are common concerns—robotaxi services could become a viable option if scaled and regulated appropriately. While Canada lags behind the U.S. in autonomous vehicle deployment, the Zeekr Ojai’s deployment in U.S. cities serves as a case study for what may eventually be possible in Canadian urban centers.

From a regulatory standpoint, Canada’s approach to autonomous vehicles remains cautious but evolving. Transport Canada has been conducting trials with companies like BlackBerry QNX and partnerships with U.S. firms, but large-scale public robotaxi services like Waymo’s are not yet permitted. Still, the Canadian automotive landscape is shifting rapidly, with federal and provincial incentives driving EV adoption and infrastructure development.

For now, Canadians looking to experience a Chinese-made EV firsthand will need to travel south—or wait for future announcements from Zeekr or other international brands. In the meantime, the Zeekr Ojai’s role in Waymo’s expanded robotaxi fleet offers a compelling preview of a future where mobility is shared, electric, and increasingly global. As autonomous technology matures and international EV supply chains deepen, the line between domestic and foreign vehicles may blur—bringing new opportunities and challenges to Canada’s automotive sector.