Amazon releases autonomous taxi commercial operation in the US under regulation

Zoox, an Amazon subsidiary specializing in autonomous vehicles, has obtained permission in the United States to begin the commercial operation of its robotaxis, which are devoid of steering wheels and pedals. This release marks a new phase for the project, allowing the company to charge for rides after years of testing.

NHTSA Authorization and Requirements

According to Reuters, the approval was granted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, this authorization came tied to rigorous requirements for monitoring the vehicles' behavior on public roads.

The Zoox vehicle is entirely designed to drive autonomously, distinguishing it from conventional cars that have merely been adapted with driverless technology. This model features two facing seats, lacks traditional steering controls, and reaches a maximum speed of 75 miles per hour, equivalent to about 120 km/h.

NHTSA authorized Zoox to operate up to 2,500 units in each of the next two years. Furthermore, the agency imposed complementary monitoring rules, including the obligation to report any accident or situation where the system demonstrates inadequate conduct. Jonathan Morrison, an NHTSA administrator, told Reuters that the systems installed in Zoox exceed the equivalent performance requirements of a compatible vehicle.

Operating Conditions and Competition

It is important to note that, even with the license, these vehicles cannot be sold to the public; the permission is restricted to controlled commercial operation. Zoox now competes with other major technology companies, such as Tesla and Waymo, which are also seeking to expand autonomous transport services in the US.

To monitor the development of these technologies, NHTSA established several operational conditions: remote operators must be based in the United States; Zoox must provide maps of the vehicles' operating areas; all incidents of failures or accidents must be reported; and the authorization is subject to review if serious problems arise.

Currently, the company is already conducting passenger tests in the regions of Las Vegas and San Francisco. With the new approval, it can start charging for trips, provided it complies with state and local regulations.

Regulatory Challenges and Safety

The advancement of robotaxis forces regulatory bodies to modernize standards conceived for eras when vehicles depended exclusively on human drivers. NHTSA has expressed its intention to create the first federal standards for automated driving systems by the end of the Trump administration, in addition to evaluating changes to rules that require classic equipment, such as rearview mirrors and brake pedals.

Despite the commercial progress, safety issues remain a focus. Zoox removed 105 vehicles for software updates after detecting a potential difficulty in identifying dense smoke during emergencies. Morrison warned: 'If we continue to see problems, we will not hesitate to use the full extent of our oversight authority.'

In summary, the granting of the authorization paves the way for a new phase of robotaxis, but its large-scale implementation will depend on these companies' ability to prove that the vehicles are capable of managing real traffic scenarios.

autopapo.com.brJuly 24, 24:00

Federal Government includes used vehicles in Move Brazil program for taxi drivers and ride-share drivers

The Federal Government has implemented an alteration to the Move Brazil program, now allowing the acquisition of used vehicles. This program functions as a line of credit with a total amount of up to R$ 30 billion, intended to facilitate the purchase of both new and used cars by taxi drivers and ride-share drivers, offering special conditions and reduced interest rates.

Details of the Expansion and Objectives

This expansion came into effect on July 15th and covers electric or hybrid flex models with a model year from 2024 onwards, maintaining the price limit set at R$ 150 thousand. Previously, the benefit was restricted to the purchase of brand-new automobiles. The change aims to broaden possibilities for workers who face difficulties obtaining full financing for a new car, while also encouraging the migration to more environmentally friendly fleets.

Initial Program Results

According to the first report released by the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) on July 14th, approximately R$ 1 billion of the R$ 30 billion available has already been utilized. This resource benefited 10,179 drivers, with an average financing value recorded of R$ 102 thousand.

Eligibility Criteria

The program is part of a Brazilian Government initiative to simplify vehicle purchases for taxi and ride-share drivers, offering financing with lower interest rates and facilitated conditions. It was created specifically to support self-employed professionals in individual passenger transport.

Participant Requirements

Eligibility criteria vary according to professional category. Ride-share drivers (such as Uber, 99, and similar) must have an active registration on the digital platform for at least 12 months and prove they have completed at least 100 rides on that same platform, with this aptitude confirmed by the platform itself. Taxi drivers, on the other hand, must possess valid licenses and registrations with competent municipal or traffic bodies, in addition to demonstrating fiscal and registration regularity with the Federal Revenue, which is validated via the gov.br portal.

Limits and Special Conditions

Each beneficiary, identified by CPF, is permitted to finance only one vehicle. For taxi cooperatives, the maximum limit is one automobile per cooperative member. Additionally, to promote gender equality and support female entrepreneurship, Move Brazil offers differentiated credit conditions for women drivers and taxi drivers, including lower interest rates and greater flexibility in grace and payment periods.

Financial Conditions and Terms

Credit operations are managed by BNDES and executed by a vast network of partner banks. The program provides distinct interest rates: 0.91% per month (equivalent to 11.5% per year) for women, and 0.99% per month (12.6% per year) for men. The maximum repayment term stipulated is up to 72 months (six years), and applications can be made until September 15th. The grace period is up to six months, as defined by the National Monetary Council.

Authorized Models and Rules

Initially, the Mover program financed only modern and clean fleets, requiring brand-new vehicles, powered by flex, hybrid, or 100% electric technology, with a maximum value of R$ 150 thousand on the invoice. With the inclusion of used vehicles, new requirements emerged: the price limit remains at R$ 150,000, the model year must be from 2024 onwards, and the propulsion must be exclusively electric or hybrid flex. It is mandatory that the manufacturer is enabled in the Mover Program (Green Mobility and Innovation).

Move Brazil Enrollment Process

The procedure to join the Move Brazil Program is entirely digital and free. The interested party must access the government portal at gov.br/movebrasil or the MDIC services section, log in with the gov.br account, and authorize data cross-referencing for eligibility verification. Within five business days, the candidate receives confirmation of service in the gov.br profile messages or via WhatsApp. After approval, the participant chooses the eligible vehicle, respecting the R$ 150 thousand ceiling, and seeks out an accredited dealership or store to contract the credit. Alternatively, the application can be made directly at the client's bank, where the credit analysis is rigorous and considers the banking history, not just the Serasa Score. Finally, after bank approval, the proposal is sent to BNDES for automatic validation, and the amount is released to the bank to settle the Invoice, allowing the driver to pick up the vehicle.