Zoox has announced plans to expand its testing operations to Los Angeles, marking its second testing location in the state of California, and its sixth testing location overall.
Much like the Amazon autonomous technology subsidiary’s prior testing programs, the Los Angeles expansion will first engage with local and state officials, as well as regulators. The company will then look to deploy a small number of vehicles from its retrofitted test fleet, all of which will be equipped with safety drivers, in a small section of the Los Angeles metro area. This fleet will initially help Zoox complete manual mapping missions before it begins its autonomous driving operations in the city, which it expects to commence this summer.
Los Angeles was selected both for its existing ride-hailing networks and modes of transportation, as well as its high level of traffic congestion and car reliance. Here, Zoox highlighted that the average Los Angeles resident spent 157 hours driving in 2024, a figure that itself doubled from 2023. As such, the company sees potential in integrating its robotaxis into the city’s transportation network in a way that will allow riders (including those who live, work or travel to Los Angeles) to socialize, relax, or work as they travel to their destination.
While highlighting the launch window of summer 2025, Zoox has yet to provide a more specific launch date for the Los Angeles service. Though, the company confirmed its intent to share more information once it feels confident that its robotaxi is ready to begin driving in the city.
