Waymo is rapidly expanding its robotaxi fleet using electric vehicles built by China’s Zeekr, highlighting how Chinese automakers continue to play a key role in the US autonomous driving industry despite steep import tariffs.
According to Forbes, Waymo has imported more than 3,200 Zeekr CM1e electric vans through the Port of Los Angeles since 2024, including over 2,600 vehicles this year. The vehicles are being converted into Waymo’s new Ojai robotaxis and have already begun operating in cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The imports stand out because Chinese-made EVs face tariffs that nearly double their cost. A Zeekr CM1e priced at around $39,000 in China could cost nearly $89,000 after tariffs, before adding Waymo’s autonomous driving hardware, which is estimated to cost more than $10,000 per vehicle.
Despite the higher costs, Waymo continues to expand aggressively. The company currently operates commercial robotaxi services in 11 US cities and plans to launch in four more, as it works toward its goal of providing 1 million paid rides per week.
The move also highlights China’s growing dominance in electric vehicle manufacturing. While US consumers have limited access to Chinese EVs because of tariffs, companies building autonomous vehicle fleets continue to rely on them for their competitive pricing and technology.
Investor takeaway: Waymo’s expansion suggests that demand for Chinese-built EVs remains strong in the robotaxi industry despite higher import costs. It also underscores the growing importance of autonomous mobility as the next major growth market for electric vehicles.
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