Zoox will begin charging for robotaxi rides in Las Vegas starting August 10, marking the official launch of commercial operations for the Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company after nearly a year of offering free rides to the public.

Zoox opened its robotaxi service to Las Vegas riders for free about a year ago. The Silicon Valley startup was founded in 2014 with the goal of building a custom electric vehicle paired with its own self-driving system and an on-demand ride-sharing app. Amazon acquired the company in 2020, and later that year unveiled its distinctive cube-shaped robotaxi, a vehicle equipped with extensive sensors and a moonroof but no steering wheel or pedals.

Over the following six years, Zoox worked through testing and hardware updates while navigating funding challenges, technical hurdles, and the process of securing permits in different markets. The company also issued several recalls, including one last month after a robotaxi became confused by heavy smoke conditions.

One of the last major obstacles was cleared just over a week ago, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration granted Zoox a temporary exemption from certain federal motor vehicle safety standards. Because Zoox vehicles lack many of the traditional controls required under federal law, such as a steering wheel, the company needed this exemption to legally charge passengers for rides. Zoox had previously received an exemption that allowed it to demonstrate its robotaxis to the public but not charge for them.

The new commercial exemption lasts two years and allows Zoox to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles. It spans eight federal motor vehicle standards, including rules covering windshield defrosting and light vehicle braking systems.

Zoox also operates robotaxis in San Francisco and Austin, but rides in those markets will remain free for now, since the company still needs two additional permits before it can charge for rides in California.

Fares in Las Vegas will be calculated using a base fare plus distance and time traveled, with the total fee shown to riders before booking based on the best available route. That price will not change even if the vehicle ends up taking a different route. Zoox said destination fees may apply for trips to or from the airport or high-traffic venues such as the Sphere or T-Mobile Arena, and that it is aiming to price competitively against the comfort tier offered by traditional ride-hailing services.