If you’re curious about the technology behind self-driving cars, you’ve likely asked: what car does Waymo use? Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are based on a specially modified electric SUV platform designed for sensor integration and safety. The answer is more specific than you might think, as the company has evolved through several vehicle platforms over the years.
This article explains the exact vehicles in Waymo’s fleet. We’ll look at their current primary model, the history of their partnerships, and what makes these cars uniquely equipped to drive themselves.
What Car Does Waymo Use
Today, Waymo primarily uses the Jaguar I-PACE for its Waymo One ride-hailing service. This is their flagship electric vehicle. They also operate a fleet of Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans, which were the first vehicles to carry public passengers.
Both vehicle types are extensively modified by Waymo. They are not simply off-the-shelf models with a added sensor on the roof. Instead, they undergo a deep integration process where the self-driving system becomes a core part of the vehicle’s functionality.
The Jaguar I-PACE: Waymo’s Electric Flagship
Waymo and Jaguar Land Rover announced a partnership in 2018. The goal was to integrate the Waymo Driver into the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE. This vehicle forms the backbone of their current and expanding fleet.
The I-PACE was chosen for several key reasons:
- Electric Platform: Provides smooth, quiet acceleration ideal for passenger comfort and reduces operational complexity compared to internal combustion engines.
- Design for Integration: Its structure allowed Waymo’s engineers to cleanly integrate sensors without compromising the vehicle’s aerodynamics or safety ratings.
- Luxury Interior: Offers a premium experience for ride-hailing customers, with ample space and a modern design.
Waymo plans to incorporate up to 20,000 I-PACE vehicles into its fleet over time. You’ll see these sleek SUVs most frequently in cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: The Proven Workhorse
Before the I-PACE, there was the minivan. Waymo’s partnership with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis) began in 2016. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan became the first vehicle to transport public passengers without a human driver behind the wheel.
The Pacifica was an ideal early platform for a few practical reasons:
- Spacious Interior: The minivan design offers generous room for passengers and the onboard computer systems.
- Hybrid Powertrain: Provides efficiency for the long hours of autonomous driving required for testing and service.
- Sliding Doors: These allow for safer and easier passenger entry and exit in urban environments, a feature carried forward in design philosophy.
While the Jaguar I-PACE is the future-facing model, thousands of Pacifica Hybrids remain in active service. They continue to provide reliable autonomous rides and are a testament to the platform’s robust design.
What Makes A Waymo Vehicle Different?
From the outside, you can easily spot a Waymo vehicle by its distinctive sensor suite. But the modifications go far deeper than just bolting on equipment. The entire vehicle is re-engineered to be a fully integrated autonomous system.
The Waymo Driver: The Core Technology
The “Waymo Driver” is the company’s name for its complete self-driving system. It’s not just software; it’s the combination of hardware, software, and compute that perceives the world and makes driving decisions. This system is built into the vehicle from the ground up.
Key components of the Waymo Driver include:
- LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): Waymo designs its own LiDAR sensors. These include a short-range LiDAR for close objects and a high-resolution, long-range LiDAR that can see up to 300 meters away.
- Cameras: A suite of high-resolution cameras provides a 360-degree view, handling tasks like reading traffic signals, spotting road signs, and seeing detailed objects.
- Radar: Radar sensors are excellent at determining the speed and movement of other objects, working well in all weather conditions where cameras might struggle.
- Auditory Detection: Microphones on the vehicle can detect sirens from emergency vehicles, allowing the Waymo Driver to react appropriately.
Safety and Redundancy Engineering
Every system in a Waymo vehicle is designed with backup. This is called redundancy. If a primary component were to fail, a secondary system is ready to take over to ensure a safe outcome.
Examples of redundancy include:
- Multiple braking systems
- Backup steering actuators
- Dual computing systems that constantly check each other
- Independent power supplies for critical hardware
This layered approach to safety is fundamental. It’s what allows the vehicle to operate without a human driver ready to grab the wheel. The car is engineered to handle its own problems.
The Evolution Of Waymo’s Vehicle Partnerships
Waymo’s journey hasn’t been limited to just Jaguar and Chrysler. Understanding their past experiments helps explain their current focused strategy.
In the early days, known as the Google Self-Driving Car Project, the team used various vehicles like the Toyota Prius and later the Lexus RX450h for testing sensor suites and software. These were important proof-of-concept platforms.
They also famously developed their own prototype, the “Firefly.” This was a small, fully autonomous vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals. It was used for limited public trials between 2015 and 2017. The Firefly taught Waymo invaluable lessons about passenger experience and vehicle design from scratch, but it was not intended for mass production.
This history shows a clear path: from retrofitting existing cars (Prius, Lexus), to building a custom concept (Firefly), and finally to deep partnerships with automakers (Chrysler, Jaguar) for production-ready, integrated vehicles. The current approach combines the scalability of a manufacturer’s production line with Waymo’s specialized autonomous technology.
How To Identify And Hail A Waymo Vehicle
If you’re in an operating city, you might see a Waymo vehicle on the road. Here’s what to look for and how you can ride in one.
Visual Identification
Waymo vehicles have a distinct appearance. The most noticeable feature is the sensor array on the roof, which houses the main LiDAR and camera units. The vehicles are typically a clean white or silver color with the Waymo logo on the side. You’ll also see prominent stickers indicating it’s an autonomous vehicle.
Using the Waymo One App
To hail a ride, you need to use the Waymo One app, available on iOS and Android. The process is similar to other ride-hailing apps:
- Download the app and create an account.
- Request access for the city you’re in (Phoenix, San Francisco, L.A., etc.). You may be placed on a waitlist.
- Once approved, set your pickup and drop-off locations.
- The app will match you with an available vehicle—either a Jaguar I-PACE or a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.
- You can track the vehicle’s approach and unlock it through the app when it arrives.
Inside the vehicle, you’ll find a tablet screen that provides trip information, allows you to control the climate, and offers a button to start the ride or contact support if needed.
Future Vehicles And Expansion Plans
Waymo’s fleet is set to grow and evolve. Their strategy involves deepening existing partnerships and potentially forming new ones to scale their technology.
In 2023, Waymo announced a expanded partnership with Stellantis. This agreement aims to integrate the Waymo Driver into Stellantis’ commercial vehicles, like the RAM ProMaster van. This points toward future applications in goods delivery and logistics, not just passenger transport.
They are also continuously updating the hardware and software on their existing I-PACE and Pacifica fleets through over-the-air updates. This means the cars you see today are constantly improving, getting smarter and safer without physical modifications.
The long-term vision is a diversified fleet. Different vehicle types will serve different purposes—luxury SUVs for ride-hailing, minivans for family trips, and vans for moving packages—all powered by the same, trusted Waymo Driver.
Common Questions About Waymo’s Cars
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the vehicles Waymo uses.
Can You Buy a Waymo Self-Driving Car?
No, you cannot purchase a Waymo vehicle as a consumer. These are highly specialized, modified cars owned and operated by Waymo for its commercial ride-hailing service. The self-driving technology is not available for private sale.
Is There a Safety Driver Inside?
In most of their operational territories, Waymo vehicles are fully autonomous, meaning there is no human safety driver behind the wheel. However, in certain new areas or under specific conditions, they may have trained operators in the vehicle for testing and evaluation purposes. The app will usually inform you if an operator will be present.
How Does the Car Handle Complex Situations?
The Waymo Driver is trained on millions of miles of real-world and simulated driving data. It uses this experience to navigate complex situations like construction zones, emergency vehicles, and unpredictable pedestrian behavior. If it encounters something truly novel or is unsure, it is programmed to execute a safe stop and request remote assistance if needed.
What Happens if the Car Has a Mechanical Problem?
Waymo has a 24/7 support center that monitors vehicle health and status. If a car detects a mechanical issue, it is programmed to pull over safely. The support team can then diagnose the problem remotely and dispatch a roadside assistance team to help the passengers and retrieve the vehicle.
Are the Cars Electric?
Yes, the primary Jaguar I-PACE platform is fully electric. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids use a plug-in hybrid system, meaning they can run on electric power for a significant range before switching to gasoline. Waymo’s focus on electric and hybrid platforms aligns with broader sustainability goals and offers operational benefits.
So, when you ask “what car does Waymo use,” the direct answer is the Jaguar I-PACE and the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. But the more complete answer involves understanding the deep integration of the Waymo Driver, the relentless focus on safety and redundancy, and the strategic partnerships that make a truly driverless future possible. These aren’t just cars with fancy gadgets; they are a new generation of vehicle, purpose-built for autonomy.