Amazon's Zoox Expands Autonomous Testing to Dallas and Phoenix: A New Era for Driverless Cars in the US

Amazon's driverless car division Zoox announced the launch of testing its autonomous vehicles in Dallas, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona. This will increase the company's presence in the US market to ten cities.

What is known

In the first stage, Zoox will use modified Toyota Highlander crossovers with driver-instructors. They will help collect data and create detailed maps of new cities. After that, the company plans to deploy its own robotaxis, specially designed for autonomous transportation.

Zoox notes that the new locations will allow testing the operation of sensors and batteries in various conditions. In Phoenix, the transport will operate in high temperatures, dust, and on high-speed roads. Dallas has an extensive road network and variable weather conditions.

The company will also open new depots in both cities. Additionally, a fleet management center will be established in Scottsdale, Arizona, which will be responsible for remote control of the transport, passenger support, and service coordination.

Considering the new test locations, Zoox will operate or conduct trials in ten US cities, including Las Vegas, San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Washington.

Startup Zoox was acquired by Amazon in 2020 for $1.3 billion. According to the company, its autonomous fleet has already covered over one million miles and transported more than 300,000 passengers.

Source: Zoox