US-based Waymo (www.waymo.com) has entered into a long-term ‘strategic partnership’ with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), to develop the world’s first ‘premium’ self-driving electric vehicle for Waymo’s driverless transportation service (formerly Google’s self-driving car project).

Waymo Jaguar I-Pace cars, equipped with Waymo’s self-driving technology, will start testing later this year. On-road testing and capturing real-world data will allow Waymo and JLR engineers to refine technology and deliver optimum safety and reliability.

The Jaguar I-Pace was launched last month and is the company’s first fully electric SUV. Up to 20,000 of these cars will be built in the first two years of production and will be available for Waymo’s driverless service, which it is estimated will undertake 1 million trips per day.

To date, Waymo is the only company with a fleet of fully self-driving cars — with no one in the front seat — on public roads.

Later this year Waymo will launch the world’s first self-driving transportation service, allowing members of the public to use Waymo’s app to request a vehicle.

JLR CEO Ralf Speth said: “With the Jaguar I-Pace we have a world-beating car that has captured the imagination of customers around the world.

"Our passion for further advancing smart mobility needs expert long-term partners. In joining forces with Waymo we are pushing the boundaries of technology. Together we will deliver the self-driving Waymo Jaguar I-Pace.”

John Krafcik, Waymo CEO, said: “While at Waymo we have been focused on building the world’s ‘most experienced driver’, the team at Jaguar Land Rover has developed an all-new battery-electric platform that looks to set a new standard in safety, design and capability.

"We are sure Waymo riders will enjoy the safe and premium experience that the self-driving I-PACE will provide.”