ROBOTAXIS


AMAZON’S ZOOX SELF-DRIVING TAXI FACES REGULATORY SCRUTINY OVER SAFETY CONCERNS


Amazon-backed Zoox’s ambitious self-driving taxi project is facing significant regulatory hurdles after US safety regulators identified “apparent non-compliances” with eight federal safety standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has raised concerns over the vehicle’s lack


of essential equipment,


including a brake pedal and rear- view mirrors, potentially leading to a recall before its planned launch in Las Vegas later this year. Zoox, a driverless pod designed without a steering wheel or traditional human controls, has been undergoing pilot testing in California and Nevada. The company relies on remote operators to intervene when


necessary, but has opted to self- certify its compliance with safety regulations rather than seeking formal exemptions. NHTSA’s


report indicates that


existing safety standards, designed for traditional vehicles, are proving to be a significant challenge for the burgeoning self-driving industry. The agency is now considering “all


options” in response to Zoox’s apparent non-compliance. Zoox, in response, has dismissed concerns about missing equipment, arguing that its AI driver “doesn’t rely on this equipment to view the world.” The company contends that mirrors, wipers, and brake pedals are outdated in the context of its advanced technology. However, NHTSA maintains that innovation should not compromise fund- amental road safety standards. The regulatory standoff highlights the tension between tech advancement and established safety protocols, raising questions about how quickly and effectively regulations can adapt to rapidly evolving landscape of AVs.


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TESLA TAKES FIRST STEP TOWARDS ROBOTAXI DREAM WITH CALIFORNIA PERMIT


Tesla has secured a key regulatory approval in California, receiving its first permit from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for a transportation charter-party carrier. This move signals progress in Tesla’s long-awaited plan to launch a robotaxi service, though significant obstacles remain. The permit, granted on 18 March, allows Tesla to operate a fleet of vehicles for pre-arranged trips, similar to a chauffeur service. However, it does not authorise ride- hailing or fully autonomous operations, both crucial for a full- fledged robotaxi network. While Tesla CEO Elon Musk has


PHTM APRIL 2025


long touted the robotaxi fleet as a core part of the company’s future, this permit primarily enables the company to transport employees and select passengers on scheduled journeys. To launch a true robotaxi service, Tesla will need further approvals from the CPUC, including permits for ride-hailing and autonomous vehicle deployment without human safety drivers. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, while advanced, remains under regulatory scrutiny, and is currently classified as Level 2 automation, requiring human supervision.


The company faces significant challenges in demonstrating fully autonomous technology that meets regulatory standards, particularly in light of recent safety concerns surrounding other autonomous vehicle operators like GM’s Cruise. While this permit is a milestone, Tesla’s vision of a driverless ride- hailing service is still far from reality. If Tesla successfully secures the required regulatory approvals, its robotaxi fleet could redefine urban transportation, offering a fully autonomous alternative to traditional ride-hailing and car ownership.


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