Zoox gets approval to charge for rides in its steering-wheel-free robotaxis
Amazon-owned Zoox has received a temporary exemption from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, allowing it to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles per year and begin charging for rides, starting next month in Las Vegas.
Zoox, the Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company, has been granted a temporary exemption by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles annually over the next two years. This approval allows Zoox to start charging fares for rides in its boxy, steering-wheel-less robotaxis, which are designed without traditional controls like a steering wheel, pedals, windshield defrosting, and mirrors.
Previously, Zoox had been offering free rides in San Francisco and Las Vegas under a demonstration exemption. The company had been awaiting NHTSA approval to begin commercial operations. The NHTSA's decision exempts Zoox from federal vehicle safety standards that require traditional driver controls, recognizing that the vehicles are built with passengers in mind, featuring two bench seats and sliding doors.
Competition and Expansion
The move positions Zoox to compete with Google's Waymo and Elon Musk's Tesla robotaxi services, both of which are expanding across the U.S. Zoox will begin charging fares in Las Vegas next month, according to a press release. The company also plans to bring its service to Miami and Austin.
Safety and Oversight
The NHTSA determined that Zoox's robotaxis offer an equivalent or greater level of motor vehicle safety compared to vehicles that comply with federal safety standards. Under the exemption, Zoox will be subject to enhanced oversight that may be updated and expanded as its self-driving technology evolves. Earlier this month, Zoox issued a software recall for its vehicles over concerns about their ability to detect smoke.
