Zoox News Updates

The decision could expand robotaxi availability because Zoox vehicles lack steering wheels and pedals and require federal approval.

An unoccupied Zoox vehicle on June 20 approached the scene of a fire that was obscured by heavy smoke, braking hard while attempting to steer away before coming to a stop.

The new rule, part of an ongoing effort by the Trump administration to modernize standards for driverless cars, could ease the path for purpose-built autonomous vehicles including Tesla’s Cybercab.

Dubbed the Ojai, the self-driving vehicle will initially be made available to select riders in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix. 

The startup doesn’t currently charge fares, but regulators have opened a public comment period that could pave the way for Zoox to do so.

At launch, Uber riders will have the opportunity to match with a Zoox robotaxi on eligible trips. It’s the first time Zoox has partnered with a third party.

California regulators still have to approve Zoox's application to charge for rides in San Francisco — a clearance that Waymo received in August 2023 after overcoming safety concerns.

The exemption Zoox is seeking would allow the company to operate as many as 2,500 self-driving cars on U.S. roads.

All rides will be provided for free for at least the first few months to help promote the existence of the service in the perennially popular travel destination.

U.S. auto safety regulators granted an exemption to federal vehicle safety standards for purpose-built driverless cars made by Zoox, the Transportation Department said in a statement.