Zoox Introduces Paid Robotaxi Service in Las Vegas

Nearly a year ago, Zoox launched its robotaxi service for the public in Las Vegas. Now, it is ready to start charging for those rides.

The autonomous vehicle technology firm, a subsidiary of Amazon, has announced that it will commence charging for rides in Las Vegas starting August 10, signifying the initiation of its commercial operations. The company has spent years striving towards this significant milestone.

Founded in 2014, this Silicon Valley startup aimed to develop a tailored electric vehicle, create a self-driving technology stack, and design an on-demand ride-sharing application. Following its acquisition by Amazon in 2020, Zoox revealed its robotaxi — a unique cube-shaped vehicle equipped with a self-driving system, an array of sensors, and a moonroof, while notably lacking a steering wheel and pedals. Over six years, the company has consistently enhanced the vehicle and upgraded its hardware.

Throughout its 12-year journey, Zoox has encountered substantial challenges related to funding, technological progress, obtaining necessary testing permits, and even managing several recalls. Recently, a major hurdle was overcome when federal safety regulators granted Zoox a temporary exemption from specific federal motor vehicle safety standards.

This exemption, issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), enables the company to charge customers for rides in its robotaxi. Due to the absence of many conventional controls mandated by federal law, Zoox required this exemption to advance its operations.

Last year, Zoox obtained an exemption that allowed it to showcase its robotaxis without charging for rides. The newly granted commercial exemption is effective for two years and permits the use of up to 2,500 vehicles, covering eight federal motor vehicle standards, including those concerning windshield defrosting and braking systems.

In addition to its Las Vegas services, Zoox plans to offer robotaxi services in cities such as San Francisco and Austin, although rides in those areas will not incur charges for the time being. In California, two additional permits are still needed for commercial operations.

The fares for Zoox’s robotaxi rides will be determined by a base fare, along with the distance and duration of the trip from the pick-up location to the destination. The company has stated that the final cost will reflect the optimal route and will be clearly communicated prior to booking. This fare will remain fixed, even if the robotaxi takes a different route.

Additional fees may apply for trips to and from airports or during busy events at venues like the Sphere or T-Mobile Arena, according to the company. Zoox aims to keep its pricing competitive with traditional ride-hailing services.