Waymo Imports ~300 China-Made Zeekr CM1e Vehicles Monthly for Autonomous Testing

Since 2024, Zeekr has shipped over 3,200 units of its CM1e model—branded as the "Ojai" by Waymo—into the U.S. through the Port of Los Angeles. Despite the 127.5% tariff imposed by the U.S. on Chinese-made electric vehicles, Waymo continues to import approximately 300 Ojai vehicles per month on average. Upon arrival in the U.S., these vehicles require installation of autonomous driving hardware kits. Waymo’s partnership with Geely was first announced in 2021. The average price of new vehicles in the U.S. rose from $38,500 in 2019 to $47,000 in 2023, with new cars priced below $20,000 now accounting for less than 5% of the market. Chinese electric vehicles typically retail overseas for under $30,000. Currently, these imported models are not available for direct purchase by general consumers.