Zoox to start charging for robotaxi rides in Las Vegas

The exemption, issued by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), allows the company to charge customers for rides in its robotaxi. Because Zoox vehicles lack many of the traditional controls required under federal law, it needed an exemption in order to operate.

Zoox received an exemption last year that allowed it to demonstrate its robotaxis, but not charge. The commercial exemption, which lasts two years and allows Zoox to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles, spans eight federal motor vehicle standards, including windshield defrosting and light vehicle braking systems.

The startup also offers robotaxis in other markets, such as San Francisco and Austin, but it will have to offer them for free for now. In California, Zoox still needs two more permits to operate commercially.

Zoox said robotaxi fares will be calculated based on a base fare, plus distance and time traveled from pick-up to drop-off. The company said the final fee will be calculated based on the best route, and be visible before booking. That fare will not change even if the Zoox robotaxi ends up taking a different route.

Destination fees, such as trips to or from the airport, or a high-traffic event at the Sphere or T-Mobile Arena may also be included in the pricing, the company said. Zoox said it is trying to be competitive with the “comfort” pricing levels offered by traditional ride-hail services.