Google’s self-driving vehicle unit Waymo and Chrysler have built 100 autonomous plug-in hybrid Pacifica minivans and will begin testing them in the new year. Waymo CEO, John Krafcik, said last week that his company is not interested in creating better cars, but rather “better drivers”. Waymo’s partnership saw both companies’ engineers working to tightly integrate Waymo’s self-driving technology into the minivans, including changes to the car's electrical, powertrain, chassis, and structural systems. The two companies also announced a deal for Ford to supply its upcoming Fusion sedan with an advanced version of Waymo's technology.
Google’s self-driving vehicle unit Waymo and Chrysler have built 100 autonomous plug-in hybrid Pacifica minivans and will begin testing them in the new year. Waymo CEO, John Krafcik, said last week that his company is not interested in creating better cars, but rather “better drivers”. Waymo’s partnership saw both companies’ engineers working to tightly integrate Waymo’s self-driving technology into the minivans, including changes to the car's electrical, powertrain, chassis, and structural systems. Waymo and Fiat Chrysler could launch an autonomous ride-sharing service as soon as late 2017, with the Pacifica at its core.