Jaguar Land Rover has announced a partnership with Waymo to develop the world’s first premium self-driving electric vehicle for Waymo’s driverless transportation service.
Google-owned Waymo will work with the Coventry-based car maker to design and engineer self-driving Jaguar I-Pace vehicles.
The two companies expect the driverless models to be on the road by 2020, with testing set to commence later this year.
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.”
Up to 20,000 I-Pace models could be bought by Waymo by 2022, potentially offering one million driverless trips per day.
The Jaguar I-Pace was launched earlier this month and is the company’s first full-electric SUV.
It costs from £60,000 and offers a 300-mile range on a single charge.
To date, Waymo is the only company with a fleet of fully self-driving cars — with no one in the front seat — on public roads. Later this year Waymo will launch the world’s first self-driving transportation service allowing members of the public to use Waymo’s app to request a vehicle.
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.”
Derek Webb - 29/03/2018 15:53
While they are at it perhaps they should also team up with Nationwide Crash repairer.