Waymo has begun testing its newest autonomous vehicle, the baby blue Ojai van, in the Seattle area as part of a broader expansion strategy for its robotaxi service. The boxy electric vehicle, developed in partnership with Chinese automaker Zeekr, represents a significant evolution in Waymo's fleet design and sensor technology. A GeekWire reporter spotted one of the vehicles in a Fred Meyer parking lot in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood on Friday morning, with a driver confirming it was one of Waymo's newest test vehicles.

What Makes the Ojai Different From Waymo's Current Fleet?

The Ojai is purpose-built specifically for autonomous ride-hailing, a departure from Waymo's current reliance on adapted consumer vehicles like the Jaguar I-Pace SUV. The vehicle is developed in partnership with Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle brand owned by Geely Holding Group, the Chinese automotive company behind Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. The base platform was originally designed at Geely's research center in Gothenburg, Sweden, then customized for autonomous operation before Waymo adds its self-driving technology.

The Ojai features Waymo's 6th-generation autonomous hardware stack, which significantly reduces sensor complexity while improving performance in challenging conditions. The updated sensor array includes 13 cameras and four lidar sensors, compared with 29 cameras and five lidar sensors in the previous generation. This streamlined approach cuts costs while maintaining or improving the vehicle's ability to navigate complex road and weather scenarios.

Inside, the Ojai is designed for passenger comfort and accessibility. Waymo describes it as "a living room on wheels," featuring elevator-like doors, a low step, and a flat floor that make entry and exit easier for riders. Three customizable LED screens let passengers control temperature, music, and other settings during their ride.

Waymo

Where Is Waymo Rolling Out the Ojai?

Waymo first announced the Ojai in May and has been deploying it across multiple cities. The vehicle is already operating in initial markets, and the company plans a phased expansion strategy over the coming months. The rollout timeline includes several key markets:

• Current Test Cities: Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, where the Ojai has already been deployed since May 2026.
• Planned Expansion Markets: Denver, Las Vegas, and San Diego are scheduled to receive the Ojai before the end of 2026.
• Broader Availability: Waymo plans to make the Ojai available to everyone in these markets later this year, moving beyond waitlist-only access.

In Seattle specifically, the Ojai's arrival marks a new phase of testing for Waymo. The company has been operating in the region since September 2025, when it began testing the Jaguar I-Pace with safety drivers. The addition of the Ojai suggests Waymo is preparing for a more substantial autonomous taxi service launch in the Pacific Northwest.

What Regulatory Hurdles Remain for Washington State?

Before Waymo can operate fully autonomous robotaxis in Washington state without human safety drivers, state lawmakers must establish a dedicated regulatory framework. Earlier this year, state Senator Matt Boehnke introduced SB 6243, which aimed to create statewide operational and safety guidelines for commercial autonomous vehicle networks. However, the measure failed to pass out of committee during the 2026 legislative session, leaving the regulatory landscape uncertain for autonomous taxi services in the region.

This regulatory gap is not unique to Washington. Many states are still developing frameworks for autonomous vehicle operations, and the lack of clear guidelines can slow deployment timelines. Waymo's continued testing in Seattle suggests the company is preparing for eventual regulatory approval, but the company will need state lawmakers to act before it can remove safety drivers from vehicles operating commercially in the region.

How to Track Waymo's Autonomous Vehicle Progress

• Monitor Fleet Deployments: Watch for Ojai sightings in your city; the vehicle's distinctive baby blue color and boxy design make it easy to spot during test phases.
• Follow Regulatory Developments: Track state legislation related to autonomous vehicle operations; regulatory approval is the key milestone for commercial robotaxi launches.
• Check Service Availability: Visit Waymo's website or app to see if your city is on the expansion list; the company plans to roll out to seven cities by year-end 2026.

Waymo's track record demonstrates significant progress in autonomous ride-hailing. The company has facilitated more than 20 million fully autonomous trips across 11 cities, providing real-world data on how its technology performs in diverse conditions and urban environments. The Ojai's arrival in Seattle represents the next chapter in this expansion, combining improved hardware efficiency with a vehicle specifically designed for passenger comfort and accessibility.

The company's strategy of deploying purpose-built vehicles like the Ojai, rather than adapting existing consumer models, signals confidence in its autonomous technology and a commitment to scaling robotaxi services across North America. However, the success of these deployments ultimately depends on regulatory approval from state and local governments, which remains the critical bottleneck for commercial autonomous taxi services in most regions.