- Amazon-backed Zoox is hoping to succeed in commercializing robotaxi operations in 2025.
- The company plans to start rides to the public “quite soon,” expand its operating regions and grow its self-driving vehicle fleet from the couple dozen it currently operates.
- Las Vegas is expected to be Zoox’s first commercial market, and it hopes to launch an “Early Rider Program” there in the coming months before opening it up to the general public later this year.
LAS VEGAS — This year is expected to be a crucial one for Amazon’s autonomous vehicle unit Zoox, as the company plans to grow its operations and commercialize its robotaxi business.
Zoox is aiming to begin offering rides to the public “quite soon,” expand its operating regions and “significantly” grow its self-driving vehicle fleet from the couple dozen it currently operates in 2025, according to co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Jesse Levinson.
“That’s a lot of work, but we’re excited for that,” Levinson said during a 40-minute drive around Las Vegas in one of the company’s robotaxis. “We’re pretty happy with the progress we’ve made.”
Zoox’s plans come even as some investors have lost enthusiasm for autonomous vehicles, and they’re not alone as legacy automakers such as General Motors, Ford Motor and Volkswagen have disbanded self-driving units in recent years.
Zoox, founded a decade ago and purchased by Amazon for $1.3 billion in 2020, has been testing its purpose-built robotaxis on public roads since early 2023. It is currently testing the vehicles, which do not include manual controls such as a steering wheel or pedals, in three cities: Las Vegas; San Francisco; and Foster City, California, where it is headquartered.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/17/amazon-zoox-plans-commercial-expansion.html