In A First, U.S. Clears Zoox's Steering Wheel-Free Robotaxis For Paid Rides

• Zoox's purpose-built robotaxi is the first vehicle of their kind to win approval from the U.S. to start a commercial service.
• The temporary exemption from motor vehicle standards will allow Zoox to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles per year for two years.
• Zoox has been offering free rides in its autonomous pods, which lack a steering wheel and pedals.

The top U.S. road-safety regulator has cleared Zoox to start charging for rides in its unconventional robotaxi pods, which lack typically required car features like a steering wheel, brakes, or side mirrors. Zoox says it's the first time this kind of purpose-built autonomous vehicle has received an exemption from federal motor vehicle safety standards to deploy commercially.