Waymo is set to make headlines with the introduction of what could be the first mass-produced autonomous passenger vehicle from a Chinese company to grace the roads of the United States. The announcement came at CES 2025, where Zeekr unveiled an innovative robotic minivan designed specifically for autonomous use. The vehicle, which is based on Zeekr’s Mix passenger model released last October, boasts a 76 kWh battery with an impressive 13-minute fast-charging capability. Additionally, it offers versatile seating and cargo configurations, catering to various transportation needs.
The Zeekr RT, aptly named for “Robotic Taxi,” is poised to outpace Tesla’s teased Robovan, marking its presence in Waymo’s fleet of autonomous vehicles ready for widespread testing later this year. While Tesla’s Robovan remains without a set release date, and the Cybercab has only a tentative 2026 timeline, the Zeekr RT stands as a leading option for US consumers seeking autonomous transportation solutions.
To ensure a seamless approval process for US roads, Zeekr has equipped the RT with safety features like redundant steering, braking, and power systems alongside failsafe operational algorithms. This strategy contrasts sharply with Tesla’s Cybercab, which is currently facing challenges due to its absence of traditional controls like a steering wheel and pedals.
However, Zeekr is also looking ahead. While the current RT model includes these controls, future plans suggest removing them once federal regulations evolve. The transition to a fully autonomous driving experience is a step that Zeekr is clearly prepared for.
Furthermore, the RT will be the first vehicle to employ a custom autonomy kit based on NVIDIA’s new Thor self-driving chip architecture. This cutting-edge processor delivers 1,000 TFLOPS of AI computing power, which can be allocated for both self-driving tasks and infotainment, depending on the manufacturer’s preferences.
Available for hands-on experiences at the CES 2025 in Las Vegas, the Zeekr RT builds on the $39,000 Zeekr Mix minivan platform, inviting tech enthusiasts and potential buyers to experience the next wave of autonomous driving technology firsthand.
