- Amazon launches Zoox robotaxis in Las Vegas, offering free rides before regulatory-approved fares.
- Zoox’s vehicles are purpose-built, electric, bidirectional, and designed for passenger experience.
- Expansion plans include San Francisco, Austin, Miami, and a future production scale of 10,000 vehicles/year.
Five years after its $1.3 billion acquisition of autonomous vehicle startup Zoox, Amazon is officially rolling out its robotaxi service in the United States. The debut begins Wednesday on the Las Vegas Strip, where the company will offer free rides from select locations including Top Golf, Resorts World, and Luxor Hotel & Casino. While passengers will eventually pay for rides, Zoox is waiting on regulatory approval before introducing fares.
A different kind of autonomous vehicle
Unlike Waymo and Tesla, Zoox’s electric robotaxi isn’t a retrofitted car. With no steering wheel or pedals and a rectangular, bidirectional design, the vehicle resembles what industry insiders call a “toaster on wheels.” Zoox co-founder Jesse Levinson explains, “We wanted to take the time and invest in building something much better than a car.” Each robotaxi features two rows of seats facing each other, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a 16-hour battery life, designed to enhance conversation and sightseeing for riders.
Safety and testing at the forefront
Zoox has tested its fleet extensively in Las Vegas and San Francisco, totaling around 50 vehicles. While the company has experienced minor incidents, including a collision with an unoccupied car, CEO Aicha Evans emphasizes the focus on safety over perfection. “Our bar is not being perfect. It’s being significantly safer than a human,” Levinson noted. Before moving to paid service, Zoox aims to build awareness through free rides while refining its technology.
Scaling up for the future
Amazon’s investment in Zoox extends beyond the Las Vegas launch. The company opened a manufacturing facility in Hayward, California, capable of producing one vehicle per day, with plans to eventually reach 10,000 vehicles annually. Zoox is also planning early rider programs in San Francisco, with future expansions to Austin, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Seattle. Analysts predict profitability for robotaxi services may not arrive until 2030 or later, but Amazon appears committed to the long-term vision.
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Zoox represents a bold step in Amazon’s pursuit of the autonomous vehicle market. By creating a purpose-built robotaxi rather than modifying existing cars, the company is aiming to redefine urban mobility. With a focus on safety, rider experience, and gradual expansion, Amazon is signaling that it’s ready to compete in the robotaxi race against Waymo, Tesla, and other emerging players.
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