Tesla’s much-anticipated robotaxi service is finally on the brink of launching, with CEO Elon Musk revealing in a recent CNBC interview that the service will kick off next month in Austin, Texas. The company is approaching the launch with caution, starting with just 10 autonomous vehicles before scaling up to over 1,000 in the subsequent months, provided everything goes smoothly.
The initial phase of the rollout will see fully driverless Tesla Model Y vehicles operating within specific geofenced areas in Austin, primarily during nighttime hours. Tesla has been conducting extensive tests with these vehicles on city streets, with thousands of vehicles being tested around the clock in preparation for the official launch.
Elon Musk also hinted at plans to expand the robotaxi service to other cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles in the near future. He stressed the importance of having unified national regulations in place for self-driving vehicles to ensure a seamless transition.
Looking ahead, Musk envisions a future where there could be hundreds of thousands, or even over a million, autonomous Teslas on U.S. roads by the end of 2026. Tesla’s business model includes a ride-hailing service akin to Uber or Airbnb, allowing owners to generate income by opting their vehicles in or out of the fleet.
In addition to the robotaxi service, Tesla is also focusing on its autonomy initiatives and the development of its humanoid robot project, Optimus. Musk believes that these ventures will play a crucial role in Tesla’s future financial success.
Despite the progress made in advancing autonomous technology, Musk criticized traditional media outlets for their role in shaping public perception, describing their tactics as propaganda. However, he remains optimistic about Tesla’s prospects, noting a significant rebound in demand for the company’s products.
As the countdown to the robotaxi launch continues, Tesla is gearing up for a new chapter in its journey towards revolutionizing the transportation industry. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking development.