Geely-owned Zeekr has published new photos and videos of its robotaxi, dubbed M-Vision concept, which was previewed in renderings last year. The EV is based on the new SEA-M architecture and will be a part of Waymo’s fleet, offering autonomous ride-hailing services in the US.
The minivan was designed in Sweeden by Zeekr “for the sole purpose of Rideshare”. This sentence pretty much cancels the rumors about the possibility of offering it as a private vehicle or an LCV. The Zeekr M-Vision concept looks quite modern with a sleek silhouette, clean surfacing, LED lighting units integrated within the extensions of the front and rear glass, flush door handles, and an array of sensors for the sophisticated ADAS mounted on the roof, bumpers, fenders, and rear quarter panels.
Read: Waymo’s Zeekr Robotaxi Still Needs A Firm Hand On The Wheel
A set of large sliding doors provides easy access to the cabin in combination with the lack of pillars. When a passenger approaches the car, the flush door handles illuminate, and the doors open with a single touch. Inside, there is no steering wheel, so all five seats are for passengers. The dashboard has a futuristic look with a large screen in the middle, speakers on the sides, and hidden air vents, while the seats are upholstered in wool and fabrics.
The two-row layout can be configured in the traditional forward-facing way, however, the front seats can rotate 180 degrees creating a living-room atmosphere in combination with the foldable tables and the large screens. Zeekr says that this is a place to entertain friends, work, have meetings, finish homework (for students), watch a show, relax or even sleep.
According to Geely, the new SEA-M platform is a refined version of the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) that already underpins models by Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, and smart. This one though is specifically developed for “robotaxis, MPVs, and logistics vehicles” with a wheelbase between 2,700mm (106.3 inches) and 3,300mm (129.9 inches).
We don’t have any technical specifications about the electric motors or the battery which will be announced at a later date. Zeekr said that each of its robotaxis will be able to cover up to 500,000 km (310,696 miles) in five years, with the capacity of driving for more than 16 hours per day.
Camouflaged prototypes of the Zeekr robotaxi have been caught testing in Sweden by our spy photographers which means that the final production version is getting closer. Below you can watch the first video and check out the official photos of the Zeekr M-Vision concept, presented with and without Waymo’s logos.
