Senegalese-American executive Aicha Evans’ Zoox taps Uber to offer robotaxi rides in Las Vegas and LA

A multiyear deal between Zoox, the autonomous vehicle unit of Amazon, and ride-hailing giant Uber will soon bring driverless robotaxi rides to more passengers in the United States, starting in Las Vegas and later in Los Angeles, reflecting recent growth under Senegalese-American executive Aicha Evans as autonomous vehicles edge closer to everyday use.

The agreement allows Uber users to book Zoox’s purpose-built robotaxis through the Uber app, marking the first time Zoox will distribute rides through a third-party platform. The service is expected to begin in Las Vegas this summer before expanding to Los Angeles in 2027. Zoox will continue to operate rides through its own app as well.

Aicha Evans expands Zoox’s purpose-built robotaxis push

The partnership reflects the growing role Zoox is carving out in the emerging robotaxi sector under CEO Aicha Evans, who has led the company since 2019. Headquartered in Foster City, California, Zoox operates engineering and research teams across the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle as it works toward large-scale deployment of fully autonomous vehicles. 

“This partnership is an opportunity to advance the use of autonomous mobility in everyday transportation,” Evans said in a statement. “Through our collaboration, Zoox will bring a distinct rider experience to people who already rely on the convenience of the Uber platform.”

For Uber, the deal supports its strategy of positioning the company as the main marketplace connecting riders with autonomous vehicle fleets. During a February earnings call, Uber Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi told analysts that autonomous vehicles operating through the Uber app record higher daily trip volumes than vehicles running only on dedicated platforms.

Trips per autonomous vehicle are about 30 percent higher on Uber’s network, according to company estimates, Khosrowshahi said. By the end of 2026, Uber plans to offer driverless ride options in as many as 15 cities. The company already provides autonomous rides in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas and Phoenix in the United States, alongside services in several cities in the Middle East through partnerships with multiple technology firms.

Zoox robotaxis roll out in cities

Aicha Evans’ leadership at Zoox followed more than two decades at Intel, where she oversaw wireless engineering programs that helped expand technologies including Bluetooth, wireless LAN and early 5G development. Her work also supported Intel’s shift beyond personal computers toward data-focused infrastructure and connectivity.

In June 2020, Amazon acquired Zoox for about $1.2 billion, giving the technology and retail company a direct foothold in autonomous transportation. Since the acquisition, Zoox has steadily expanded testing and pilot programs in several U.S. cities.

Last year, the company began offering free driverless rides along the Las Vegas Strip and in selected neighborhoods of San Francisco. Zoox said in early March that more than 300,000 passengers have taken part in those demonstration rides, though the company has not yet started charging for trips.

Federal review underway for Zoox robotaxis

The distinctive robotaxis — often nicknamed “toasters” because of their box-like design — feature sliding doors, a low entry step and seats that face each other. The vehicles are designed without a traditional steering wheel and can reach speeds of up to 75 miles per hour, though they generally operate at 45 miles per hour or less in urban areas. 

Zoox is also seeking federal approval to expand commercial operations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened public comments on the company’s petition to deploy up to 2,500 purpose-built robotaxis on U.S. roads. Regulators previously authorized Zoox to operate the vehicles only for testing, research and demonstration programs.