Amazon’s driverless car start-up Zoox has launched its first public service in Las Vegas, entering the competitive U.S. robotaxi market alongside Alphabet’s Waymo and Tesla. The move marks a significant milestone in Amazon’s strategy to establish a presence in autonomous mobility, with expansion plans already underway for San Francisco and other U.S. cities.
First Public Rollout in Las Vegas
Zoox’s launch allows riders to hail its uniquely designed, steering wheel-free vehicles via its app. The service currently operates along the city’s 4.2-mile Strip, connecting popular destinations. Initial rides will be free as Zoox collects feedback and builds user adoption. Chief Executive Aicha Evans said the focus is on point-to-point rides between attractions before scaling further.
Competitive Landscape
The robotaxi market is highly competitive, with Waymo already operating more than 250,000 paid rides per week across five cities, while Tesla recently expanded its Austin-based pilot. Uber has also partnered with Waymo and other providers in select U.S. cities. Unlike its rivals, Zoox is building custom-designed vehicles rather than modifying existing cars, aiming to distinguish itself on safety and innovation.
Production and Expansion Plans
Zoox currently produces one vehicle per day at its California assembly site and expects to deploy 50 robotaxis in Las Vegas and San Francisco this year. The company plans to scale up to 5,000 units annually by the end of next year, with targeted launches in Austin and Miami, and ongoing testing in Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Regulatory Momentum
Zoox recently received an exemption from federal vehicle safety standards, following regulatory adjustments under the Trump administration designed to accelerate autonomous vehicle adoption. Evans highlighted the timing as favorable, noting that the U.S. has begun shaping a supportive framework for driverless mobility.
Zoox’s Las Vegas launch represents both a breakthrough for Amazon’s ambitions in autonomous transport and a bold challenge to established players in the robotaxi sector. With plans for rapid scaling and custom-built vehicles, Zoox is positioning itself as a long-term contender in shaping the future of urban mobility.