Tesla set to launch Robotaxis in Austin on June 12, according to reports
Tesla is set to make a significant leap in the realm of autonomous driving with the upcoming launch of its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. The launch, initially planned for Thursday, June 12, marks a key step in CEO Elon Musk's ambition to focus Tesla on autonomous vehicles and AI.
Recently, Tesla conducted a public road test in Austin, a first for the city, with a Tesla engineer in the passenger seat of a Model Y. The vehicle navigated the streets on its own, offering an indication of Tesla's progress in autonomous driving technology.
Despite initial plans, it appears that the exact date of launch within June was not specified as June 12, suggesting that the details of the launch were not confirmed to be on that specific date. However, the service was launched as a pilot program at the end of June 2025, operating in a limited capacity since then.
The robotaxi service launch will not initially involve the Cybercab, Tesla's custom-built autonomous vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals. The Cybercab was demonstrated in California last year on private property, but it seems the initial fleet will consist of existing models like the Model Y.
The number of robotaxis is expected to scale to 1,000 vehicles in the months following launch. It's worth noting that Tesla is not currently listed as a rideshare operator by Texas regulators, but Texas does not restrict autonomous vehicle testing.
Austin has formed a task force to liaise with companies like Tesla and Waymo, demonstrating the city's commitment to the development of autonomous driving technology. The launch of Tesla's robotaxi service in Austin is a significant event in this development, and it may pave the way for further expansion across Texas and beyond.
Musk has announced plans to start with about 10 robotaxis in Austin, and the success of this pilot program could lead to the expansion of the service. The launch of Tesla's robotaxi service in Austin is undoubtedly a significant moment in the company's history and in the development of autonomous driving technology as a whole.
Following the news of the robotaxi service launch, Tesla shares rose 2.1% in after-hours trading, reflecting investor enthusiasm for the company's foray into this new frontier. As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in autonomous driving, it will be interesting to see how this technology evolves and what impact it will have on the transportation industry.
- Tesla's foray into autonomous driving technology, as demonstrated by the impending launch of its robotaxi service, has considerable implications for the transportation industry.
- The robotaxi service, set to operate with existing models like the Model Y, will initially be limited in scope, with about 10 vehicles being introduced in Austin.
- The integration of artificial-intelligence and autonomous vehicles in the transportation sector is anticipated to revolutionize finance, as ride-sharing and transportation become increasingly automated, driven by companies like Tesla and technology breakthroughs.
