Tesla Teases Potential June 1 Launch Date for Robotaxi Service in Austin
Tesla has dropped a significant hint regarding the potential launch date of its Robotaxi ride-hailing platform in Austin, Texas. The company has been in talks with the City of Austin for months in preparation for the launch of the service. Tesla has been working on bolstering its Full Self-Driving suite to ensure safe and reliable supervised rides, initially using teleoperators for added security.
The anticipated launch of the Robotaxi service, which will initially operate with Tesla Model Y vehicles, is expected to take place in Austin in June. While an exact date has not been confirmed by Tesla, the company has hinted at a potential launch on June 1 based on a cryptic post published on May 1.
While Tesla has faced challenges with meeting timelines in the past, particularly with the delayed launch of a “feature-complete” Full Self-Driving platform, the company appears determined to stick to its target date for the Robotaxi service. CEO Elon Musk has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bring Robotaxi to Austin in June, starting with unsupervised autonomy for the Model Y.
Initial indications suggest that the first Robotaxi rides will be limited to a select group, with the general public expected to have access to the service later in the month. The initial fleet is projected to consist of between 10 and 20 vehicles, with plans to rapidly scale up operations following the initial rollout.
While the June 1 launch date for the Robotaxi service remains speculative, Tesla’s commitment to the timeline signals its confidence in the capabilities of its vehicles. The potential launch on the first day of June could mark a significant milestone for the company and its autonomous driving technology.