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WAYMO'S CHINESE-MADE EVS CLEARED FOR US DELIVERY: A ROBOTAXI REVOLUTION BEGINS
AppleMagazine
|AppleMagazine #698
Waymo's latest move is a game-changer: Chinese-made Zeekr electric vehicles (EVs) are set to hit US streets by late 2025, dodging tariffs and bringing autonomous rides closer to reality.
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Announced on March 10, 2025, this isn't just a win for Waymo—it's a practical leap for tech users tired of traffic jams and high ride costs. With Nvidia's DRIVE Thor chips powering these robotaxis, the future of urban mobility is accelerating, and it's got a sleek, affordable edge.
This isn't about flashy promises or sci-fi dreams. Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving arm, has been quietly perfecting its tech for years, and now it's partnering with Zeekr, a Chinese automaker, to deliver. The Verge reports the EVs will roll out as part of Waymo's fleet, offering a realworld solution for commuters in cities like LA and San Francisco. Priced competitively and built for autonomy from the ground up, these vehicles could slash fares and expand access. It's innovation that works, not just talks.
The timing couldn't be better. With Tesla's Cybercab still navigating regulatory hoops, Waymo's Zeekr deal positions it as the first to mass-deploy a purpose-built robotaxi in the US. Electrek notes Alphabet's $5.6 billion investment in Waymo last week, signaling serious intent. For tech users, this means a tangible shift-self-driving rides aren't a distant hope; they're a 2025 reality.
THE ZEEKR RT: BUILT FOR AUTONOMY Let's break down the star of the show: the Zeekr RT. Based on Zeekr's MIX van, this EV isn't a retrofitted sedan-it's designed for driverless operation from scratch. NotebookCheck.net highlights its 76 kWh battery, offering fast 13-minute charging, and flexible seating for passengers or cargo. Waymo's testing it now, with deliveries slated for late 2025, per CES 2025 updates from Electrek. It's practical engineering, not a concept car collecting dust.
This story is from the AppleMagazine #698 edition of AppleMagazine.
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