Jaguar Land Rover and Google subsidiary Waymo are launching a self-driving transport service later this year, with a fleet of 20,000 I-Pace electric cars.

20,000 I-Pace electric vehicles are planned for Waymo, in a $1.2bn deal

In a world first, Waymo plans to launch a self-driving transportation service including a new app that enables members of the public to request a vehicle.

Together the companies estimate a potential one million trips per day might be ridden by users of Waymo’s driverless service.

The long-term strategic partnership will see testing of the Jaguar I-Pace electric cars equipped with Waymo’s self-driving technology starting later this year, benefiting from Waymo’s more than 5 million self-driven miles on public roads.

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

Prof. Dr. Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover chief executive officer said: “Our passion for further advancing smart mobility needs expert long-term partners. In joining forces with Waymo we are pioneering to push the boundaries of technology. Together we will deliver the self-driving Waymo Jaguar I-Pace with the grace, space and eco-pace that customers expect.”

John Krafcik, Waymo chief executive officer said: “While we’ve been focused at Waymo 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’re sure Waymo riders will enjoy the safe, premium and delightful experience that the self-driving I-Pace will provide.”