Amazon is ramping up production of robotaxis at a massive factory near Silicon Valley, aiming to challenge industry leader Waymo and rival Tesla in the autonomous vehicle race. The 220,000-square-foot facility in Hayward, California, will produce up to 10,000 robotaxis annually by 2027, according to Zoox, Amazon’s self-driving subsidiary.
Background and Competition
Amazon acquired Zoox in 2020 for $1.2 billion, marking its entry into the robotaxi market. Waymo, launched within Google in 2009, currently leads the autonomous cab service with over 10 million paid rides. Tesla, led by Elon Musk, is also vying for a significant share of the market.
Factory Details and Production
The Hayward factory, transformed from a former bus manufacturing plant, now houses a 21-station assembly line where Zoox’s unique, gondola-like vehicles are assembled and tested. Currently producing one robotaxi per day, Zoox aims to increase this to three vehicles per hour by next year. The factory’s production capacity is crucial as Amazon plans to expand its robotaxi service into major markets including Las Vegas, San Francisco, Miami, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.
Technological Advancements and Challenges
Zoox’s robotaxis differ significantly from Waymo’s vehicles. They are designed to look like carriages rather than traditional cars, with seating for up to four passengers and no steering wheel. While testing in San Francisco, a minor collision with an electric scooter prompted a voluntary software update. Tesla is also preparing for a limited robotaxi rollout in Austin, though Elon Musk is prioritizing safety and hasn’t set a firm date.
Market Plans and Projections
Zoox plans to operate between 500 to 1,000 robotaxis in smaller markets and around 2,000 in major cities. The company expects each vehicle to remain in service for about five years or 500,000 miles. As the autonomous vehicle market continues to evolve, Amazon’s significant investment in production capacity positions Zoox as a strong competitor to Waymo and Tesla.
