Tesla has recently announced the expansion of its Robotaxi service area in Austin, Texas, doubling its previous coverage and drawing attention online for its unique shape. The new service area now covers 3.9 square miles more than Waymo’s footprint in Austin and was unveiled in a recent update to the Robotaxi app.
Users were quick to notice that the expanded zone on the service’s coverage map resembles a phallic shape, leading to a flurry of reactions on social media. Despite the unconventional design, the expansion signals Tesla’s commitment to growing its Robotaxi service in key markets.
This expansion comes hot on the heels of Elon Musk’s announcement that the Austin Robotaxi pilot would be expanding, with plans to launch in additional U.S. cities such as the San Francisco Bay Area and Phoenix, Arizona pending regulatory approval. As part of the update, Tesla has also increased the price per ride from the previous $4.20 to a new fare of $6.90, adding a touch of humor to the pricing structure.
In addition to the expanded coverage, the Robotaxi app update brings several new features to enhance the user experience. These include walking directions to the pickup point and final destination, smarter search results that alert users if their destination closes around the arrival time, and the ability to edit the destination after booking.
For those eager to experience the convenience of Tesla’s Robotaxi service, early access sign-ups are available on the Tesla website. Whether you’re a regular user or simply curious to explore the map for yourself, it’s clear that Tesla’s Robotaxi ambitions are rapidly gaining momentum. The company’s innovative approach to autonomous driving technology continues to push boundaries and revolutionize the future of transportation.