Zoox is now mapping the streets of Dallas, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona. This mapping work is a precursor to testing its autonomous vehicles in these two Sun Belt cities.
The company announced it has sent a small number of its Toyota Highlander SUVs to each city. Workers will drive these vehicles to help Zoox’s autonomous software familiarize itself with the local environment. Following this data collection, Zoox will begin testing its self-driving system using the SUVs. Eventually, the company plans to switch to its purpose-built robotaxis for testing.
Zoox stated that these two new markets will provide valuable data from environments that differ from the dense metropolitan areas where its vehicles currently operate. Once testing goes live in Dallas and Phoenix, Zoox will be operating in ten United States cities. The other cities include Atlanta, Austin, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. The company is currently offering free rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco through its early-rider program.
To date, Zoox reports it has driven more than a million autonomous miles in Las Vegas and San Francisco, transporting over 300,000 passengers.
The Amazon-owned company is still awaiting federal approval for its purpose-built autonomous vehicle to launch a true commercial robotaxi service. This unique vehicle does not have a steering wheel or pedals. Last August, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration granted Zoox an exemption from certain Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, allowing public road demonstrations. However, the company is still waiting for further exemptions to operate commercially.
Zoox will also need permission from local agencies that oversee ride-hailing operations, such as California’s Public Utilities Commission.
This marks Zoox’s first time operating in Arizona. The state has long been a hotbed for autonomous vehicle testing due to its permissive regulations, flat terrain, and warm weather. Phoenix is notably where rival Waymo first launched its robotaxi service back in 2020.
To support these new markets, Zoox is opening depots in Dallas and Phoenix, as well as a new command center in Scottsdale. The company claims these expansions will create hundreds of new jobs. These facilities, which Zoox calls “fusion centers,” house fleet operations teams. These teams handle tasks like remote guidance and rider support, providing real-time coordination to help vehicles navigate complex scenarios and support riders.