Google unveils self-driving Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans

PanARMENIAN.Net – Waymo, Google’s new autonomous vehicle division, has finally unveiled its latest model: a heavily modified Chrysler Pacifica. The hybrid minivan, which can go 30 miles in pure electric mode, was glimpsed earlier in spy photos at a Google facility. It’s now fixed up with the custom computer, sensors and telematics used on Google’s Lexus SUV and other self-driving cars. Waymo didn’t just bolt the tech on, though. Rather, its engineering team worked together with Fiat Chrysler (FCA) at a special facility in southeastern Michigan, Engadget reports.

“FCA’s product development and manufacturing teams have been agile partners, enabling us to go from program kickoff to full vehicle assembly in just six months,” said Waymo CEO John Krafcik. The plan was first leaked in May and later confirmed by Google, so it’s actually been over seven months, but Google still met its year-end schedule to unveil the car. Waymo has already done “over 200 hours of extreme-weather testing” in California and at FCA’s Arizona and Chelsea, Michigan proving grounds. Krafcik says.