Waymo is importing thousands of Chinese-built electric vehicles into the U.S. despite tariffs of more than 100% on Chinese cars and a push by the U.S. government to ban the vehicles completely. The autonomous driving company could have more than 5,000 of the vehicles operating in the country by the end of the year — without a driver behind the wheel.

Waymo Expands Its Robotaxi Fleet With Chinese EVs

Waymo has begun moving beyond its original fleet of Jaguar I-Pace EVs as the company expands its robotaxi operations. Its new vehicle, called Ojai, is a rebranded Zeekr RT built for Waymo’s U.S. fleet.

Waymo is bringing in large numbers of Ojai robotaxis, with most headed to its Texas fleet, according to TechCrunch. The Texas fleet has grown by 49% in just three weeks, adding 1,102 new Waymo autonomous vehicles to the roads there.

That expansion is expected to continue. Research company MoffettNathanson tracks Ojai imports and says Waymo is on track to have 5,100 of the purpose-built autonomous vehicles in the U.S. by the end of the year.

What Makes the Waymo Ojai Different?

The Ojai is Waymo’s sixth-generation robotaxi and the first to use the company’s latest autonomous driving system. The minivan has seating for four passengers, along with a lower step and higher roof than other vehicles used by Waymo.

Waymo says the new model will help reduce its costs. Its interior is also designed to handle the demands of taxi operations, including more frequent wear inside the cabin.

How Waymo Gets the Vehicles Into the U.S.

Waymo is currently paying the tariffs on the Chinese-built vehicles. However, the Ojai does not have connected vehicle technology installed when it crosses the U.S. border.

Instead, all of Waymo’s self-driving system components are installed in Arizona at a plant owned by the robotaxi company. That approach allows the vehicles to avoid the complete ban on Chinese connected vehicle technology and eliminates the need for a special waiver.

The tariffs still reduce the cost savings that the automaker had expected from the vehicles.

Waymo’s Current and Future U.S. Markets

Waymo’s service is currently available in 15 U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Austin, Las Vegas, Nashville, Phoenix and San Francisco.

The company lists Boston, Detroit, New York and Washington, D.C., among its future new markets as it continues expanding its robotaxi fleet.