Feds Greenlight Amazon's Zoox To Operate Robotaxis With No Steering Wheel Or Pedals

Core Insights - Zoox, an autonomous vehicle company owned by Amazon, has received regulatory approval to operate its electric robotaxis without traditional vehicle controls, positioning itself to compete with Alphabet's Waymo [1][2] Regulatory Approval - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted Zoox the first-ever exemption from U.S. regulations requiring certain vehicle features, allowing the company to operate its robotaxis on public roads [2] - As part of the waiver, Zoox must remove claims that its robotaxi meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and NHTSA has closed an investigation into Zoox's self-certification [2] Market Launch and Expansion - The approval enables Zoox to launch its robotaxi service later this year, starting in Las Vegas, with plans to expand to San Francisco, other Bay Area cities, Austin, Miami, Los Angeles, and Atlanta [3] - Unlike Tesla, Zoox has secured permission for paid rides in self-driving vehicles in California, similar to Waymo [3] Vehicle Design and Features - Zoox's robotaxi is designed from the ground up, featuring no conventional controls, sliding doors, and a bidirectional shape, with a top speed of 75 miles per hour, typically operating at 45 mph in urban areas [4] - The vehicle is intended to operate for up to 16 hours per charge and is designed for a lifespan of at least five years or 100,000 miles [4] Unique User Experience - Zoox aims to provide a unique riding experience with carriage-style seating and a roomy interior, differentiating itself from competitors [5]