Amazon’s self-driving startup Zoox to begin testing its robotaxi service in Austin and Miami

Zoox, a self-driving tech startup Amazon acquired in 2020 for $1.2 billion, is preparing to test its autonomous vehicles on the streets of Austin, Texas, and Miami, even as U.S. regulators probe incidents.

The announcement coincides with an ongoing investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into 500 Zoox vehicles equipped with automated driving systems, following two crashes.

In a statement on Wednesday, Zoox said that it will soon deploy its fleet of retrofitted Toyota Highlanders, complete with human safety drivers, in select areas near the business and entertainment districts of Miami and Austin. This expansion marks Zoox’s third this year, adding these two cities to its growing roster of testing locations.

The company, which already operates in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Seattle, revealed on Wednesday that it will begin testing its autonomous vehicles (AVs) in Miami and Austin, where competitors have been active for several months. This expansion brings Zoox’s testing operations to a total of five cities.

“We’re laying the foundations for our autonomous ride-hailing service in new cities across the U.S.,” Ron Thaniel, Zoox’s senior director for policy and regulatory affairs, said in a statement. “Austin and Miami offer key learning opportunities that will support the continued growth and refinement of our testing and service.”

In California and Nevada, Zoox has been trialing its self-designed autonomous vehicles, which feature a unique design without steering wheels and pedals, accommodating four passengers sitting facing each other.

Austin and Miami will be Zoox’s fourth and fifth public testing locations, supplementing its existing operations in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Seattle.

Zoox has set industry standards by being the first to showcase a purpose-built robotaxi capable of operating up to 75 miles per hour. Since its inception in 2014, Zoox has integrated artificial intelligence, robotics, vehicle design, and sustainable energy to reinvent personal transportation, aiming for a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable future.

Designed and manufactured in the U.S., Zoox vehicles are unique in offering bidirectional driving capabilities and four-wheel steering, allowing for seamless navigation through tight spaces and the ability to change directions without reversing. At just 3.63 meters long, the vehicle boasts one of the smallest footprints in the automotive industry. Its four-seat, face-to-face symmetrical seating configuration does away with conventional steering wheels and bench seating. Equipped with a 133 kWh battery, one of the largest available in electric vehicles today, Zoox cars can operate continuously for up to 16 hours on a single charge.

Founded in 2014 by Tim Kentley-Klay and Dr. Jesse Levinson, Zoox was acquired by Amazon in June 2020. The company operates at the intersection of design, computer science, and electro-mechanical engineering, creating an advanced mobility experience to meet future urban transportation needs. Over six years, Zoox has raised $955 million in venture-backed funding, driving its mission to transform urban mobility for people and the environment.