Waymo Deploys Chinese EVs for U.S. Robotaxi Service

Waymo, the autonomous driving technology company, is deploying vehicles manufactured in China for its robotaxi services in the United States. These custom-made Ojai vehicles began public rides in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix during the summer of 2026. The manufacturing process for the Ojai vehicles takes place in Ningbo, China, after which they are shipped to the U.S. for the integration of Waymo's proprietary autonomous driving technology. Hundreds of these vehicles are currently in operation, with plans to expand their presence to Denver, Las Vegas, and San Diego later in 2026, which will increase the total number to thousands. Waymo has reportedly imported over 3,000 of these vehicles, with 2,600 of them arriving in the previous year. This initiative is notable given the significant barriers to entry for Chinese-made electric vehicles in the American market. China holds a dominant position globally in electric vehicle production and sales, with Chinese brands experiencing substantial growth in international markets. For instance, in the United Kingdom, the five fastest-growing car brands are all Chinese, including Jaecoo, BYD, and Chery. Similarly, Chinese brands have nearly tripled their market share in Australia over the past four years. In Brazil, Chinese brands account for approximately 90% of electric vehicle sales, which saw a 268% year-over-year increase in July. Even in Nepal, where electric vehicles constituted 73% of car sales in 2025, the majority of these EVs are of Chinese origin. The affordability of these vehicles is attributed to manufacturers' vertical integration and economies of scale. The technological advancements are also highly regarded; in 2024, Ford CEO Jim Farley expressed his admiration for the Xiaomi SU7 after a several-month testing period. However, direct consumer purchase of brands like Xiaomi or BYD in the U.S. is effectively prohibited due to tariffs exceeding 100%, which currently stand at 127.5%, including an additional 25% vehicle tariff. Waymo's strategy allows them to leverage the manufacturing capabilities and cost efficiencies of Chinese EV production while complying with U.S. regulations by integrating their autonomous technology domestically.