Tesla is gearing up to debut its highly anticipated robotaxi service in Austin on Thursday, June 12, according to sources familiar with the matter. This internal launch date signifies a significant milestone in CEO Elon Musk’s vision to pivot Tesla’s focus towards autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence. However, it is important to note that the launch date is subject to change as discussions are still ongoing behind closed doors.
Recently, the company conducted its first public road test in Austin with a Model Y operating without a driver behind the wheel. Instead, a Tesla engineer was seated in the passenger seat as the vehicle autonomously navigated the city streets. This successful test marks a pivotal moment in Tesla’s journey towards fully autonomous driving capabilities.
Prior to the public rollout, Tesla has been conducting internal trials using safety drivers and ferrying employees around the city to fine-tune its autonomous technology. Musk has outlined plans for the robotaxi fleet to initially utilize existing models like the Model Y before transitioning to a custom-built autonomous vehicle known as the Cybercab, which boasts a futuristic design with no steering wheel or pedals.
The Cybercab was unveiled during a demo event in California last year on private property, showcasing Tesla’s cutting-edge advancements in autonomous vehicle technology. While Tesla is not currently listed as a rideshare operator by Texas regulators, the state has been welcoming towards autonomous vehicle testing, with Austin forming a task force to collaborate with companies like Tesla and Waymo.
Musk has indicated that Tesla will kick off the robotaxi service in Austin with around 10 vehicles, with plans to rapidly scale up to 1,000 vehicles in the months following the launch. This ambitious expansion strategy has garnered positive investor sentiment, with Tesla’s shares rising by 2.1% in after-hours trading following news of the impending robotaxi debut.
As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of autonomous driving technology, the upcoming launch of its robotaxi service in Austin signifies a significant leap towards a future where self-driving vehicles are a common sight on city streets. Stay tuned for more updates as Tesla revolutionizes the transportation industry with its innovative approach to autonomous driving.