Waymo and Jaguar Land Rover have joined forces to
“design and engineer the world’s first premium electric fully self-driving
vehicle.”
Based on the Jaguar I-Pace, the vehicle will begin
testing later this year and it will use Waymo’s fully-autonomous driving system
which is already in use on self-driving Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans.
Waymo describes the system as the “world’s most experienced driver” as the
technology has allowed the company’s self-driving fleet to travel more than
5,000,000 miles (8,046,720 km) on public roads.
Waymo says the I-Pace is a “natural choice” for
their fleet as the electric crossover is a “sleek and graceful car” that will
provide a “safe and delightful experience for our passengers.” The company went
on to says the model is the ideal size for cities and its large battery pack
means it can be driven all day.
Waymo has plans to add up to 20,000 I-Paces to its
fleet over the next few years and said the model will play a “vital full-time
role in Waymo’s driverless transportation service.” The company went on to say
the massive fleet should enable them to provide approximately one million trips
every day and each rider will have a “premium experience” thanks to the
I-Pace’s blend of luxury and style.
The Jaguar I-Pace has a 90 kWh battery which powers
to two electric motors that produce a combined output of 394 hp and 693 Nm of torque. This enables the all-wheel drive model to
accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, hit a top speed of 199 km/h and travel up to 240 miles (386 km) on a single charge. U.S. pricing starts at
$69,500 and the model will soon celebrate its North American debut at the New
York Auto Show.
