Jaguar Land Rover and Waymo have announced that they will be joining up for a long term strategic partnership. Within this partnership, Jaguar’s I-PACE is to become the first autonomous premium electric vehicle in Waymo’s fleet.
The two companies will collaborate to design and engineer autonomous I-PACE vehicles with the aim of incorporating the vehicles into Waymo’s driverless fleet from 2020 onwards. Testing for the first Waymo autonomous I-PACE will begin later this year.
Earlier this month Jaguar launched the I-PACE – the company’s first fully-electric SUV. Jaguar is committed to furthering its place as automotive leaders in autonomous, connected and future electrified technologies. Professor Ralf Speth, chief executive officer, Jaguar Land Rover explained: “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.”
Currently, Waymo is the only company to have a fleet of autonomous cars on public roads and is set to launch the first self-driving transportation service for public later this year. John Krafcik, chief executive, Waymo noted that whilst Waymo has “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.”
Waymo and Jaguar’s long-term collaboration will benefit both companies in furthering their joint goal of making cars safer, improving mobility for everyone whilst freeing up people’s time. Krafcik adds: “We’re sure Waymo riders will enjoy the safe, premium and delightful experience that the self-driving I-PACE will provide.”
“In joining forces with Waymo we are pioneering to push the boundaries of technology,” commented Speth, “Together we will deliver the self-driving Waymo Jaguar I-PACE with the grace, space and eco-pace that customers expect.”
There are plans to build around 20,000 I-PACEs in the first two years of production. These vehicles will then be ready for riders of Waymo’s driverless service to use and will potentially serve up to one million trips per day.
