Americans Can't Buy Chinese EVs. Waymo Is Importing Thousands

Tariffs are keeping Chinese-built EVs out of most U.S. driveways, but they haven’t stopped Waymo’s robotaxi build from arriving in volume. With duties on Chinese EVs reported at about 127.5%, Alphabet’s self-driving unit began deploying small electric vans built by China’s Zeekr in late May across cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco. ImportGenius data compiled by Forbes shows Zeekr shipped more than 3,200 of its CM1e (Waymo Ojai) via the Port of Los Angeles since 2024, with over 2,600 so far this year. Analysts expected fewer than 1,000. Waymo wouldn’t confirm costs or totals, but says it has “over 300 Ojais” in early access service in SF, LA and Phoenix.