Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed on Tuesday that the company aims to start offering rides on its self-driving robotaxis to the public as early as June 22. This initial rollout will begin in Austin, Texas, where Tesla has been testing its autonomous vehicles on public roads.
Musk emphasized that safety remains a top priority, warning that the launch date could change if needed. He also stated that starting June 28, Tesla cars will be able to drive themselves from the factory directly to customers’ homes.
This robotaxi service is a key part of Tesla’s future strategy. Musk has shifted the company’s focus from building cheaper electric vehicles to developing fully autonomous cars. Much of Tesla’s market value depends on the success of this vision.
However, launching commercial autonomous vehicles has proven difficult. Safety concerns, strict regulations, and high costs have slowed progress. Many experts remain skeptical about Musk’s ambitious timeline.
The initial service will use about 10 to 20 Model Y SUVs operating within a limited area under remote human supervision. Tesla plans to expand the robotaxi service to other U.S. states later this year, including California, which has tough AV regulations.
Musk joked on social media that Austin will get the robotaxi service before Los Angeles, highlighting the unusual choice of launch city.
A video shared by Musk showed a Tesla Model Y making a turn at an Austin intersection without a human driver, using Tesla’s latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) software.
Details about how the public will access the robotaxi service and the full scope of remote supervision remain unclear.
Tesla’s robotaxi launch is crucial as its electric vehicle sales face growing competition and challenges linked to Musk’s controversial political stances.
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