Zoox cleared to launch paid robotaxi rides on August 10 as Uber expands AV bets
U.S. regulator NHTSA has granted Amazon-owned Zoox an exemption allowing it to charge for robotaxi rides without a steering wheel or pedals, while Uber continues building out its network of autonomous vehicle partnerships worth billions.
Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company Zoox will begin charging passengers for robotaxi rides starting August 10, after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted it an exemption from federal motor vehicle standards.
Because Zoox's custom-built vehicles lack traditional controls such as a steering wheel and pedals, the company needed regulatory approval to operate commercially. Its previous exemption only allowed technology demonstrations; the new one permits Zoox to run a commercial fleet of up to 2,500 vehicles for two years. The company already offers rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco and is opening early rider programs in Miami and Austin.
The approval could also benefit other developers building robotaxis without conventional driver controls, potentially including Tesla, which is developing its two-seat Cybercab.
Uber's growing AV network
Uber continues expanding its autonomous vehicle partnerships and investments. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the company plans to commit roughly $10 billion over the coming years to deploy 120,000 driverless vehicles — a figure matching an earlier Financial Times estimate.
Separately, Moove, a mobility company that started as an African vehicle-financing fintech, has grown into a fleet owner of more than 42,000 vehicles across 13 countries and now serves as Waymo's fleet operator in Phoenix, Miami and Las Vegas, with London planned. Now based in Dubai, Moove raised $250 million in fresh funding and plans to hire about 350 people as it scales its autonomous vehicle fleet management business.
In other industry news, Ford unveiled its new midsize EV, the Fathom, starting at $28,350 when it launches in 2027, while Waymo removed its robotaxi service waitlist in Dallas, opening access to all residents and visitors.
