San Francisco now has two driverless car options
In a significant development for the autonomous vehicle landscape, Amazon-owned Zoox has officially launched its Zoox Explorers program in San Francisco, marking its entry into a competitive market already dominated by Waymo. Known for its unique toaster-shaped, carriage-style vehicles that operate without traditional steering wheels, Zoox aims to provide a novel ride-hailing experience while gathering valuable feedback from users. The Explorers program allows selected riders to experience free rides in designated neighborhoods, including SoMa and the Mission District, by joining a waitlist through the Zoox app. This initiative not only introduces the public to Zoox’s innovative technology but also positions the company as a serious contender in the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle sector.
Zoox’s roots trace back to 2014, and the company has been testing its autonomous technology in San Francisco since 2017. According to Zoox CEO Aicha Evans, the city represents a vibrant hub of innovation and mobility, making it an ideal environment for their purpose-built robotaxi service. The launch comes on the heels of Zoox’s existing operations in Las Vegas, where it has been offering free rides to limited locations since September. Although the Las Vegas service has seen minimal safety incidents, Zoox faced scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration due to previous issues with sudden braking, which have since been addressed through software updates. As Zoox enters the San Francisco market, it faces stiff competition from Waymo, which has already established a strong presence in the region with its driverless vehicles, recently expanding its services to include freeway operations. This competitive dynamic is set to reshape the future of urban mobility in San Francisco, as both companies strive to refine their technologies and enhance the rider experience.
Waymo has some competition in San Francisco — Amazon-owned Zoox just launched in the City by the Bay.
Zoox, known for its toaster-shaped, carriage-style vehicles that lack steering wheels,
launched its Zoox Explorers program today
. Explorers is an early initiative that allows riders to try Zoox for free, with the company hoping to elicit feedback on the experience. Riders are required to download the Zoox app and add their names to a waitlist. Once chosen for the Explorers service, riders can travel around select San Francisco neighborhoods, including SoMa and the Mission.
SEE ALSO:
Smooth, silent, strange: What it’s really like to hail a robotaxi
“Zoox has been testing our autonomous technology in San Francisco since 2017,” Zoox CEO Aicha Evans said in a statement. “It’s our home. A city of innovation and progress, with an amazing mobility ecosystem that we feel Zoox can really complement. We have seen incredible interest in Zoox in this market and are excited about this first step to bring our purpose-built robotaxi experience to more people.”
Zoox began in San Francisco in 2014, before Amazon acquired the company in 2020 for
$1.3 billion
.
Zoox is currently operating a similar service in Las Vegas, where riders can travel for free to limited locations as a precursor to a more expanded service. Zoox has had few safety incidents since launching in Las Vegas in September, but was previously the subject of a
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration probe
after sudden braking by the vehicles caused a crash, as well as injuries involving motorcyclists. Zoom officials stated that a program update resolved the ghost braking issue.
Driverless Waymos are already ubiquitous in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. Waymo, part of the Google empire, recently announced that its vehicles will soon be able to
ride on freeways
in the areas where it currently operates.
