Tesla started its robotaxi service on a small scale across Austin, Texas. The company sent out special invites to early users over recent days. Only certain blocked-off areas of the city can use this new service. Tesla runs between 10 and 20 cars that people can call through a special phone app. The service works from 6 AM until midnight every day.
Each robotaxi carries a Tesla worker who sits up front as a safety backup. This person can hit emergency stop buttons or make the car pull over if something goes wrong. Government safety officials are still checking Tesla's answers about how safe these cars really are. Texas just passed new rules that need permits for self-driving cars starting September first.
The new Texas law only allows cars with Level 4 self-driving skills. Tesla's current system only reaches Level 2 ratings. The company plans to have remote human drivers ready to take control when needed. Google's Waymo already runs Level 4 robotaxis across Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Austin. Waymo wants to add 10 more cities before 2025 ends.
Waymo uses expensive sensors like LiDAR and radar on their 1,500 Jaguar cars. Tesla takes a different path with special cameras and computer brains that work together. Tesla plans to release a special robotaxi called the Cybercab during 2026. Elon Musk said Tesla cars will soon drive themselves straight from factories to customer homes on June 28th.
Each robotaxi carries a Tesla worker who sits up front as a safety backup. This person can hit emergency stop buttons or make the car pull over if something goes wrong. Government safety officials are still checking Tesla's answers about how safe these cars really are. Texas just passed new rules that need permits for self-driving cars starting September first.
The new Texas law only allows cars with Level 4 self-driving skills. Tesla's current system only reaches Level 2 ratings. The company plans to have remote human drivers ready to take control when needed. Google's Waymo already runs Level 4 robotaxis across Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Austin. Waymo wants to add 10 more cities before 2025 ends.
Waymo uses expensive sensors like LiDAR and radar on their 1,500 Jaguar cars. Tesla takes a different path with special cameras and computer brains that work together. Tesla plans to release a special robotaxi called the Cybercab during 2026. Elon Musk said Tesla cars will soon drive themselves straight from factories to customer homes on June 28th.
