US Administration's Rules on Foreign Vehicle Tech: Implic...

This week, the Biden administration finalized rules that effectively ban all Chinese- and Russian-connected vehicle tech from American roads. This landmark crackdown is expected to have far-reaching effects, particularly on the rising trade of inexpensive Chinese EVs. The US Commerce Department has argued that these rules, first proposed in September, are necessary to protect American vehicles from foreign adversaries and interference. The prohibitions against Chinese and Russian software will begin in 2027, with hardware restrictions following in 2029. Despite the new rules, Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving tech developer, is confident that its partnership with Chinese automaker Zeekra will not be affected and intends to move forward as planned.

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The Impact on Waymo

On paper, it might seem like a disaster for Waymo. The Alphabet-owned self-driving tech developer announced in 2021 that Chinese automaker Zeekra, majority owned by automotive giant Geely, would build its next generation of robotaxis. Preproduction models are already in testing on roads in San Francisco and Phoenix. Despite the new rules, Waymo is confident this partnership will not be affected and intends to move forward as planned.

Waymo's Argument

Waymo has argued that its vehicles should not be subject to the new rules as all the connected tech onboard is American-owned and -fitted. The vehicles Waymo receives from Geely are base vehicles, stripped of telematics systems and any other technology that would allow the vehicle to communicate with, or send data back to, its manufacturer. Only authorized personnel install Waymo's self-driving technology into the cars after they're delivered to the United States.

Waymo's Current Operations

Today, Waymo operates its self-driving ride-hail service using modified Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicles in metro Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Atlanta and Austin are expected to join later this year.