In 2020, US-based startup Zoox revealed the prototype of its autonomous electric vehicle. Now, the robotaxi is entering an advanced testing phase in California.
Resembling a minivan, the vehicle is tall, boxy, and features sliding glass doors. Its large wheels and rounded corners stand out, giving it a cartoonish appearance.
Its appearance may be playful, but its function is serious. The Zoox vehicle is designed to integrate into a new mobility service in urban environments. It was not designed for direct sale to consumers, but rather as part of an autonomous taxi fleet.
“We take care of driving, charging, maintenance, and upgrades for our fleet of vehicles. The rider simply pays for the service,” Zoox explains.
The robotaxi accommodates up to four passengers, can drive bidirectionally at speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, and features a 133 kWh battery, which allows it to run for up to 16 hours on a single charge.
Founded in 2014, Zoox was acquired by Amazon in 2020, gaining wider recognition. There is still no launch date for its autonomous taxi.
Cars that operate independently of direct driver control already exist, but they are far from mainstream. In fact, the Zoox model resembles another autonomous vehicle: Olli, developed by US-based company Local Motors – also in California. Autonomous electric vehicles promise to reduce costs and revolutionize mobility.
Via CicloVivo.
This article was written by Marcia Sousa. The translation is powered by AI.
