Amazon's Zoox Gets First Commercial Permit for Purpose-Built Robotaxi
This permit lets Zoox move from free tests to paid service, a step that could expand autonomous ride-hailing to more communities.
Reporting from 1 source: GIGAZINE.
Zoox, Amazon's robotaxi company, has received a commercial operation permit from the U.S. NHTSA, allowing it to charge for rides and deploy up to 2,500 purpose-built vehicles over two years. This is the first such permission for a purpose-built robotaxi, distinguishing Zoox from competitors using modified existing cars.
Zoox has been testing in several cities and started service in Las Vegas in September 2025. Its vehicle is built for robotaxi use, with no steering wheel or pedals, unlike rivals that adapt existing cars. The NHTSA exemption is part of a U.S. effort to speed up EV innovation and allows up to 2,500 vehicles per year for two years.
CEO Aicha Evans called the approval a milestone and said it allows Zoox to begin charging for its service. The company plans to bring autonomous ride-hailing to more communities.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.