Tesla is gearing up to launch its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, slated for June 2025. This new service will operate using Tesla's unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, marking it as a paid ride-hailing venture without the need for human drivers, as reported by electrek.co. Initially, the service will deploy Tesla-owned vehicles to navigate the streets of Austin autonomously.
The robotaxi fleet will employ Tesla's advanced FSD software, which has been undergoing rigorous testing. According to TechCrunch, Tesla has already completed more than 1,500 trips and 15,000 miles during employee trials in Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area. This period of testing is essential as the company prepares to meet local regulatory standards and ensure the service integrates smoothly within Austin's transportation framework, as highlighted by The Daily Texan.
Beyond the imminent Austin launch, Tesla has its sights set on expanding the robotaxi service to other U.S. cities by the close of 2025, according to Smart Cities Dive. This initiative underlines Tesla's strategic move to establish itself in the burgeoning autonomous vehicle market, aiming to rival existing services like Waymo. By working closely with local authorities, Tesla plans to ensure that its cutting-edge technology complies with regulations, paving the way for a broader rollout.