Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the much-anticipated Robotaxi service is tentatively set to launch on June 22. The date, however, is subject to change due to Tesla's stringent safety standards. This initiative marks a significant shift in Tesla's strategy, focusing on autonomous vehicles rather than affordable electric cars, which greatly influences Tesla's valuation.
Recently, a video circulated on platform X, showcasing a Model Y vehicle, labeled "Robotaxi," undergoing road tests in Austin, Texas. Musk confirmed the vehicle's design and functionality, emphasizing that these are standard Tesla cars capable of autonomous driving directly from the factory. He predicted a rapid transformation in street traffic, with autonomous vehicles becoming commonplace globally within 2 to 3 years.
Tesla's VP of Autopilot and AI, Ashok Elluswamy, hinted at a gradual rollout of the Robotaxi service, initially in Austin. Musk aims to start with about 10 Robotaxis and expand to thousands over time, with plans to extend the service to other cities like San Francisco.
In Austin, Tesla's Robotaxi will compete with Alphabet's Waymo, which is already in the deployment phase, according to the Austin Vehicle Management Authority.
