Panasonic to Supply Batteries for Zoox - CleanTechnica

Zoox, the Amazon-owned robotaxi startup, has secured Panasonic Energy as its battery supplier to support its planned expansion in electric vehicle (EV) production starting in early 2026. Panasonic will provide 2170 cylindrical battery cells, initially sourced from Japan, with future production planned in Kansas. These batteries are notable as Panasonic was once Tesla’s exclusive supplier and continues to supply some Tesla models. This partnership aligns with ongoing U.S. incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which offers tax credits for domestic battery cell and pack production, despite the Trump administration having eliminated consumer EV subsidies. Zoox is also making regulatory progress, having received the first-ever exemption for American-built driverless vehicles under California’s Automated Vehicle Exemption Program, positioning it alongside Waymo as a key robotaxi operator in San Francisco. While it remains uncertain if Zoox is fully ready for widespread deployment, the company is clearly scaling up its operations and preparing for broader market presence in 2026.