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Steering Wheel-Free Cars Approved for US Fares
30 Jul
Summary
- Zoox received approval for paid autonomous rides in Las Vegas.
- Vehicles lack steering wheels and pedals, facing a new regulatory path.
- NHTSA granted a two-year exemption from safety standards for Zoox.
Amazon subsidiary Zoox has secured a landmark approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to offer paid rides in its fully autonomous vehicles, marking a first for the industry in the United States. The company plans to launch its fare-based service in Las Vegas soon, following its ongoing free passenger transport operations in Austin, Miami, and San Francisco.
This approval represents a pivotal moment for autonomous vehicle development, particularly for companies like Zoox that are designing vehicles without traditional controls such as steering wheels or pedals. These purpose-built robotaxis feature unique "campfire-style" seating arrangements. The NHTSA's decision grants Zoox a two-year exemption from certain safety standards, allowing the deployment of up to 5,000 robotaxis under enhanced government oversight and data reporting requirements.
NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison emphasized that Zoox has demonstrated safety exceeding traditional car standards. He also highlighted the agency's concerns regarding autonomous vehicles interfering with emergency responders, urging companies to address this critical issue. Tesla is also testing steering wheel-free vehicles, though its current robotaxi service utilizes modified cars with conventional controls.
