These spy photos depict an autonomous electric car developed by Chinese brand Zeekr for robotaxi specialist Waymo, which hopes to eventually integrate this model into its EV fleet. The prototype is being tested in cold weather to make sure all the main units and electronic components function properly below freezing temperatures.
The self-driving Zeekr sports a very smooth and aerodynamic front fascia with a small opening in the middle below. The headlamps sit very high, right under the windshield.
You can see a driver holding the steering wheel and a passenger inside the van, suggesting that this particular vehicle was not driving itself during the tests. The sharply slanted nose and squared-off rear make the Zeekr resemble tapering General Motors minivans from the 1990s. We are talking about such examples as the Chevrolet Lumina APV, the Oldsmobile Silhouette, and the Pontiac Trans Sport.
It is still unclear when or whether the Zeekr may find use in taxi business and go into production. According to Waymo, the company intends to launch these vehicles in fully autonomous mode in multiple U.S. cities over the next few years.