The long-awaited launch of Tesla’s robotaxi service in Austin is set for June 22, but it appears that the company’s initial rollout will be quite limited. According to the report, Tesla will have only about 10 vehicles available for rides, and they intend to steer clear of the city’s most difficult intersections. In case of any problems, remote operators will reportedly have the ability to take control of the vehicles to ensure they arrive at their intended destinations.
Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk told in May that the robotaxi service might kick off with fewer than a dozen cars, so this isn’t particularly surprising, though the actual number could be even lower. Analysts consulted that rides in Tesla’s robotaxi may only be accessible to “company employees or invited guests.” It might take several months before the service is opened up to the general public.
Musk officially unveiled the robotaxi service and its self-driving Cybercab at an event in October 2024, but the concept has been a long-promised feature for Tesla owners. The idea is that since all Teslas come equipped with the cameras needed for the self-driving system, any of them can be transformed into a cab when not in use. Musk envisions a future where autonomous transport is so prevalent that it becomes as affordable as public transit, while also being safer than relying on human drivers.
However, whether the Full Self Driving system can achieve this remains uncertain. Tesla is currently under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration due to crashes related to autonomous driving. Additionally, the company has reportedly prevented the city of Austin from releasing its robotaxi records, indicating a level of concern about its performance.
