Waymo Moves to Purpose-Built Autonomous Vehicles, Dropping the Retrofit Model

Waymo is integrating its autonomous driving technology into Geely's Zeekr vehicle, an all-electric platform engineered specifically for ride-hailing rather than consumer ownership. The shift abandons Waymo's earlier practice of retrofitting existing cars like the Chrysler Pacifica. Purpose-built design optimizes sensor placement, reduces modification costs, and leverages electric drivetrains for lower maintenance—critical advantages as Waymo scales Waymo One across Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami toward additional markets.