Zoox Grounds Atlanta Test Fleet Following Toxic Gas Exposure Reports

The incidents, which occurred throughout August, prompted at least one formal complaint to OSHA. Workers described a persistent, unusual odor inside the test vehicles, with some reporting that management directed them back into the field even after they displayed clear signs of illness. Jay Davis, a contractor who fell ill on August 14, stated that he and his colleagues were reassigned to a second vehicle shortly after reporting symptoms, only to experience further health issues later that same day.

Zoox acknowledged identifying 28 employees who rode in six vehicles emitting unexplained odors. While the company maintains it has not detected carbon monoxide—which is odorless—in its fleet, it confirmed the presence of carbon dioxide and has since initiated a recall of 12-volt batteries to investigate potential hydrogen sulfide leaks. Zoox asserts that its purpose-built electric robotaxis remain unaffected by these issues. The company has stated it is cooperating with regulatory inquiries and will install carbon dioxide monitors in its test fleet before resuming operations.