Zoox, the Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company, is set to launch its self-driving taxis in San Francisco and Las Vegas, as confirmed by CEO Jesse Levinson at a recent tech conference.
Levinson announced that the purpose-built autonomous vehicles (AVs), which are unique in lacking traditional driving controls such as a steering wheel, will be ready for deployment in the “next few weeks.” The initial rollout will begin in the SoMa area of San Francisco, with plans to expand to other districts, while also introducing services on the Las Vegas Strip.
The initial fleet will be small, comprising a few dozen Zoox robotaxis operating within designated geofenced areas in Foster City, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. This operational footprint is expected to grow significantly over the next year, with plans for large-scale production vehicles set for 2026.
“This measured approach is a strategic decision,” Levinson explained, noting that Zoox currently does not have an extensive fleet of robotaxis available for deployment. The autonomous vehicles are designed to operate for 16 hours a day during peak traffic periods, as nighttime operations yield less valuable data for the company.
The first riders, referred to as “Zoox explorers,” will be selectively invited to use the service, following a methodology similar to that employed by Waymo in its early days. Further details about the launch are expected in early 2025, with operations in Las Vegas anticipated to commence first due to fewer technical challenges.
Levinson highlighted Zoox’s collaborations with major resort properties along the Las Vegas Strip to facilitate passenger pick-up and drop-off at hotel entrances, a capability that no other autonomous vehicle has achieved so far.
Distinct from competitors like Waymo and Cruise, which modify existing passenger cars for autonomy, Zoox’s taxis are designed from the ground up for autonomous operation. The vehicles can accommodate four passengers and are powered by a 133 kWh battery, providing an extended range. They also feature four-wheel steering for enhanced maneuverability in urban environments.
Zoox’s impending launch comes amid a surge in activity within the self-driving taxi sector, with Tesla announcing plans for driverless rides next year following its Cybercab unveiling, Waymo securing a partnership with Hyundai for developing IONIQ 5 robotaxis, and Baidu expanding its Apollo Go service globally.
