Waymo Considers $2.5B Deal for 50,000 Hyundai Robotaxis

Alphabet's self-driving unit eyes major expansion of its autonomous vehicle fleet.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Waymo, the self-driving car division of Alphabet, is reportedly in talks with Hyundai to purchase over 50,000 Ioniq 5 electric vehicles to add to its autonomous vehicle fleet by 2028. The deal is estimated to be worth $2.5 billion, with Waymo paying over $50,000 per vehicle.

Why it matters

This potential deal would significantly expand Waymo's self-driving capabilities and presence, as the company looks to scale its robotaxi service. However, Waymo has also faced recent scrutiny from NHTSA over an incident where one of its autonomous vehicles collided with a child in Sacramento, raising concerns about the safety of its technology.

The details

Under the reported agreement, Waymo would acquire 50,000 Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicles to integrate into its self-driving fleet by 2028. The total value of the deal is estimated at $2.5 billion, with Waymo paying over $50,000 per vehicle. This would mark a major expansion of Waymo's autonomous capabilities as it looks to scale its robotaxi service.

  • The potential deal is expected to be finalized by 2028.

The players

Waymo

Waymo is the self-driving car division of Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google. It is one of the leading companies in the autonomous vehicle industry.

Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai is a major South Korean automaker that produces a range of vehicles, including the Ioniq 5 electric car.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

NHTSA is the U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing vehicle safety, including autonomous vehicles.

Michael Burry

Michael Burry is an American investor and hedge fund manager who is known for his successful bet against the U.S. housing bubble in the 2000s.

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What’s next

The potential deal between Waymo and Hyundai is still in the negotiation phase, and it remains to be seen if the two companies will finalize the agreement. Additionally, NHTSA's investigation into the incident involving a Waymo autonomous vehicle and a child in Sacramento could impact the company's future plans and partnerships.

The takeaway

Waymo's potential $2.5 billion deal with Hyundai to add 50,000 Ioniq 5 electric vehicles to its self-driving fleet by 2028 highlights the company's ambitions to rapidly scale its robotaxi service. However, the recent scrutiny from NHTSA over a safety incident involving one of Waymo's autonomous vehicles underscores the ongoing challenges and concerns around the deployment of self-driving technology.