Tesla’s Robotaxi Service Set to Launch in San Francisco
Tesla’s highly anticipated robotaxi service is reportedly set to launch in San Francisco much sooner than expected. According to Business Insider, the electric vehicle company is currently mobilizing local employees with plans to bring the service online as early as today, despite not having obtained approval for its vehicles to operate autonomously with passengers in the state of California.
It is likely that Tesla’s robotaxi service will not be fully autonomous at the start. Without the necessary permit to operate robotaxis in California, ride-hailing services are required to have human chaperones accompanying their self-driving vehicles. Tesla has yet to confirm this arrangement, but it is a common practice among companies in the autonomous vehicle space.
Tesla’s main competitor, Waymo, was granted approval to operate without human monitors in 2023, along with GM’s Cruise. However, GM later halted development of its autonomous platform and shut down its ride-hailing operation in San Francisco. This development has left the door open for Tesla to make its mark in the autonomous ride-hailing market.
Late last year, Tesla applied for a permit that would allow it to operate as a ride-hail service, with provisions for background checks and drug testing of potential operators. While Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has expressed confidence in obtaining regulatory permission to launch driverless service in several states, including California, as of now, the company’s application has not been received or approved by California officials.
The launch of Tesla’s robotaxi service in San Francisco represents a significant step forward in the company’s autonomous driving ambitions. If you spot a Tesla Robotaxi operating in San Francisco, be sure to let us know at tips@thedrive.com.
Byron, a contributing writer and auto reviewer with a focus on infrastructure, sales, and regulatory stories, provided this update on Tesla’s robotaxi service. Stay tuned for more developments in the world of autonomous vehicles.