Self-driving Jaguar I-Pace to be designed and engineered with Google
Jaguar and Waymo (formerly Google self-driving car project) have signed an agreement to design and engineer an autonomous Jaguar I-Pace for Waymo’s driverless transportation service.
JAGUAR AND WAYMO have signed an agreement to develop the electric Jaguar I-Pace for use in Waymo’s driverless transportation service. It’s understood the Waymo Jaguar I-Pace will begin road-tests later this year. The announcement came on the eve of the New York Motor Show where a prototype of the Waymo I-Pace will be displayed, and a couple of weeks after the fatal collision between an autonomous Uber and a cyclist.
“This long-term strategic collaboration will further Waymo and Jaguar Land Rover’s shared goals: to make cars safer, free up people’s valuable time and improve mobility for everyone,” Jaguar said.
According to Jaguar, up to 20,000 I-PACEs will be built in the first two years of production and be available for riders of Waymo’s driverless service, “serving a potential one million trips per day”.
Currently, Waymo is the only business to have self-driving cars testing on public roads, without a driver behind the wheel. Indeed, Waymo is expected to launch its self-driving “transportation service” later this year with users able to request a vehicle via an app.
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.”
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.”
