National Security Concerns Rise Over Waymo's Chinese-Made Robotaxi Fleet

Waymo, the self-driving technology company owned by Google's parent Alphabet, is facing scrutiny over its plan to deploy thousands of Chinese-made vehicles for its robotaxi service across American cities, raising national security and data privacy concerns.

The company is on track to import approximately 5,100 of its new Ojai robotaxis by the end of 2026. These vehicles are manufactured by Zeekr, a subsidiary of China's Geely Holding Group, and are then sent to the U.S. for Waymo to outfit with its autonomous driving technology at a facility in Arizona.

This move comes as the U.S. government tightens restrictions on connected-vehicle technology with ties to China. In May 2024, Florida Senator Rick Scott urged the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate Zeekr, questioning its potential links to the Chinese Communist Party, its supply chains, and whether it received government support.

Scott's letter did not establish wrongdoing but highlighted concerns about protections for American investors and potential national security risks.

Waymo has stated that its vehicles comply with U.S. regulations for connected-car technology and that it implements rigorous security testing. The company asserts it does not share rider data, personal information, or its proprietary source code, algorithms, or artificial intelligence models with Zeekr.

Despite Waymo's assurances, critics like Missy Cummings, a former senior safety adviser at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, have expressed skepticism, suggesting a need for independent inspection to verify the absence of Chinese technology in the vehicles' physical construction.

The Ojai robotaxis are already operating in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix, with plans for expansion into Denver, Las Vegas, and San Diego. Waymo's engagement with Zeekr dates back to 2019, when the company stated that American manufacturers were hesitant to supply vehicles for its autonomous driving program.

Washington's heightened scrutiny of Chinese involvement in the automotive sector includes upcoming Commerce Department rules, set to prohibit the import or sale of certain connected vehicles and self-driving software linked to China or Russia starting with the 2027 model year. Additionally, proposed legislation in Congress aims to further restrict Chinese-manufactured vehicles, potentially including a transition period for companies like Waymo.

Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio has been a vocal proponent of stricter measures, warning of the potential impact on American manufacturers and workers. Waymo has indicated its support for the Commerce Department's rules and legislative efforts to address national security concerns.