San Francisco: Tesla Inc. is preparing to launch its highly anticipated self-driving robotaxi service on June 22, beginning in Austin, Texas, CEO Elon Musk announced on Tuesday.
The rollout marks a critical step in Tesla’s broader strategy to transition from manufacturing affordable electric vehicles (EVs) to pioneering autonomous transportation.
“We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift,” Musk noted, highlighting the inherent challenges in deploying autonomous vehicle (AV) technology.
Musk also revealed that starting June 28, Tesla vehicles will autonomously drive themselves from the end of the assembly line directly to customers’ homes. This capability signals the maturity of Tesla’s latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, which the company has extensively tested in Austin.
Beautifully simple design. https://t.co/eA7QgzW1jh
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 10, 2025
The initial rollout in Austin will feature 10 to 20 Model Y SUVs, operating within a defined area under remote human supervision. The pilot service is considered paid and will be closely monitored before broader expansion.
Musk confirmed that Tesla plans to gradually expand the robotaxi service to other US states, including California, which is known for its stringent autonomous vehicle regulations.
While Musk has long touted the promise of autonomous vehicles, commercialization has been elusive, slowed by regulatory hurdles, massive R&D costs, and ongoing safety concerns. Critics have remained skeptical, but Musk appears confident that Tesla’s approach will prove viable.
For Musk and Tesla, success in Austin could redefine the future of personal transportation and the fate of the company itself.
