Google’s self-driving car project, Waymo, has placed an order for up to 62,000 additional Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans, with the first deliveries due later this year.

The cars will join Waymo’s self-driving fleet, which already has 600 Pacificas. Waymo already has a fleet of self-driving cars on trial on public roads.

Later this year it plans to launch a self-driving travel service that will enable passengers to summon a ride via Waymo’s app.

John Krafcik, chief executive officer of Waymo, said the company’s goal had always been “to build the world’s most experienced driver and give people access to self-driving technology that will make our roads safer”.

He also revealed that Waymo and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US have started discussions about FCA licensing Waymo technology to make a self-driving car available to the public.

Sergio Marchionne, chief executive officer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, said: “FCA is committed to bringing self-driving technology to our customers in a manner that is safe, efficient and realistic.”