Waymo’s Massive Order of Chinese-Made Ojai Vans Triggers US Security and Trade Debate

Waymo has placed an order for about 5,100 Ojai vans, which are essentially Zeekr electric vehicles produced by Geely Holding Group, to accelerate the expansion of its nationwide robotaxi service. The vans, already operating in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix, will supplement a fleet that currently relies on Jaguar I-Pace SUVs imported from Austria and equipped with Waymo’s autonomous system in Arizona. Although the Commerce Department’s ban on Chinese-made connected vehicles does not begin until model year 2027, several senators and representatives argue that the Zeekr partnership poses a security risk, fearing concealed sensors could transmit data to China.

Critics, including former NHTSA safety advisor Missy Cummings, question Waymo’s claim that the chassis are free of Chinese technology. In response, Waymo says its vehicles undergo rigorous U.S. security testing, that no rider data is shared with Zeekr, and that its software remains wholly proprietary. Lawmakers led by Senators Bernie Moreno, Elissa Slotkin and Representative John Moolenaar are sponsoring bipartisan legislation to bar imports of Chinese-manufactured base vehicles, offering Waymo a three-year grace period to replace the Ojai vans by 2030.