Waymo and JLR to develop self-driving I-Pace for Waymo’s driverless transportation service

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Waymo have entered into a long-term strategic partnership to develop the Jaguar I-Pace, the world’s first premium self-driving electric vehicle, for Waymo’s driverless transportation service.

This joint venture has the goals of making cars safer, freeing up people’s time and improving mobility for everyone. The Jaguar I-Paces will be equipped with Waymo’s self-driving technology, and up to 20,000 vehicles are to be built and join Waymo’s fleet in the first two years of production.

Testing is to begin later this year and will comprise on-road testing and the capture of real-world data that will allow Waymo and JLR engineers to refine the technology and deliver optimum safety and reliability.

The I-Paces will be available for riders of Waymo’s driverless service, and could serve a potential one million trips per day. JLR and Waymo have also announced plans to explore other future collaborations.

The Jaguar I-Pace was launched in March and is the company’s first full-electric SUV. Jaguar Land Rover is committed to becoming an automotive leader in autonomous, connected and future electrified technologies.

Prof. Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover chief executive officer, said, “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. In joining forces with Waymo we are pioneering to push the boundaries of technology. Together we will deliver the self-driving Waymo Jaguar I-Pace with the grace, space and eco-pace that customers expect.”

John Krafcik, Waymo chief executive officer, said, “While we’ve 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. We’re sure Waymo riders will enjoy the safe, premium and delightful experience that the self-driving I-Pace will provide.”