What’s New with Zoox?
Factory Power-Up: Zoox just kicked off production at a sprawling 220,000 sq ft Hayward facility, aiming for up to 10,000 purpose‑built robotaxis per year—a direct ramp-up to challenge Waymo and Tesla.
Distinct Design: These aren’t souped-up sedans. They’re symmetrical “toaster‑oven” bots with no steering wheel or pedals and four‑wheel bidirectional steering—built specifically for riders.
On‑the‑Road Testing
Now Testing: Zoox is actively rolling in San Francisco’s SoMa, Las Vegas (including the Strip), Austin, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Atlanta—with mapping and shuttles underway and public service set to start soon.
Early Rides: They’ve already run open-road tests in Foster City and Vegas since 2023—without steering wheels—topping out at 35 mph in tests, though capable of 75 mph.
Why It Matters
Safety First: Over 100 innovative safety features—like bidirectional airbags, full 270° lidar/cam/radar coverage, and overlapping sensors (150 m range)—are engineered from scratch AutoTech News.
Rider-Centric: A symmetrical, four-seat layout with amenities like sunroofs, wireless charging, and reorienting cabins is redefining onboard experience.
⚙️ Industry Ripples & Rivalry
Zoox is vying head-to-head with Waymo (100M autonomous miles so far) and Tesla’s robotaxi ambitions.
Federal regulators (NHTSA) are scrutinizing the lack of conventional controls, with Zoox self‑certifying compliance amid ongoing investigations.
🚦 What’s Next?
Here’s what to watch for:
Las Vegas First: Paid rides expected this year, followed by San Francisco in 2026, then expansion to Miami, L.A., Atlanta, and more.
Scaling Up: From one vehicle a day now, Zoox intends to ramp up to three robotaxis per hour as factory capacity grows.
Regulatory Beat: Watch how the NHTSA investigations into safety compliance influence rollout timelines.
🎯 Bottom Line
Zoox is not just joining the autonomous race—it’s building the car, the tech, and the service ecosystem from scratch. With massive production boosts, rider-first design, and aggressive market entry, the company is positioning as a serious contender to Waymo and Tesla. Next stop? A world where calling a taxi doesn’t require a driver—because there isn’t one.
