Tesla Robotaxi Service Launches in Austin with Teleoperators and On-Site Attendants

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Tesla Launches Limited Robotaxi Service in Austin

In a significant yet long-awaited development, Tesla has commenced its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, on a trial basis. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of autonomous ride-hailing services.

🔥🔥 Tesla Robotaxi rides have started in Austin, Texas! https://t.co/bZAiBS3FBX pic.twitter.com/5sODPS72uV

— Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) June 22, 2025

According to the early access invitations sent out by Tesla recently, the robotaxi service will operate exclusively within designated geofenced zones in Austin, utilizing a fleet of 10 to 20 vehicles. Customers can request rides through a dedicated app, and the service will be available from 6 AM to midnight.

To enhance passenger safety during rides, a Tesla employee will be present in the front passenger seat. This attendant will have quick access to the emergency stop and pull-over functionalities via a specially designed robotaxi user interface.

It’s important to note that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently reviewing Tesla’s safety protocols associated with its robotaxi initiative following recent submissions.

Texas Laws and Tesla’s Compliance Challenges

Additionally, Texas has enacted a new autonomous mobility law mandating that all operators securing self-driving vehicle permits start from September 1. Notably, the law permits only vehicles with Level 4 autonomy, whereas Tesla’s current Full Self-Driving (FSD) offering is classified at Level 2. To navigate this limitation, Tesla plans to deploy a team of teleoperators who can remotely take control of the robotaxis in emergencies.

$GOOGL Waymo seen capturing 10% of U. S.rideshare trips by 2030 – Wells Fargo

Waymo’s market share reaching 3.5% by 2027 and then rising steadily to 10% by 2030. Within its operational zones, Waymo is forecast to achieve 16% penetration overall and 22% in its currently announced…

— Kaushik (@BigBullCap) June 18, 2025

Waymo’s Competitive Edge

In comparison, Waymo is already operating as a Level 4 autonomous mobility service in cities like Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin. By the end of this year, Waymo is set to expand to ten additional cities, including Las Vegas and San Diego.

Tesla Robotaxi vs Waymo — Tesla Robotaxi Vs. Waymo

Waymo is also exploring more cost-effective vehicle options, with plans for their 6th-generation robotaxi being a modified Zeekr minivan outfitted with 13 cameras, 4 LiDAR sensors, and 6 radar sensors.

Differences in Autonomous Driving Approaches

When juxtaposing Tesla and Waymo, their methodologies show significant divergence. While Waymo relies on a combination of optical and radar technologies, Tesla’s strategy is based more on an interconnected neural network integrating advanced camera systems capable of detecting individual photons, enabling optimal performance in diverse visibility conditions. The introduction of AI5 hardware later this year is expected to elevate Tesla’s autonomous capabilities further.

🚨BREAKING: Dan Ives says Tesla’s biggest growth chapter starts Sunday with Robotaxis

He calls it a $1 trillion opportunity pic.twitter.com/FMhFx7mqeT

— Muskonomy (@muskonomy) June 21, 2025

Looking ahead, Tesla aims to introduce a dedicated ride-hailing vehicle named the Cybercab in 2026, aligning with an opportunity that investment analyst Dan Ives estimates at $1 trillion.

This launch of Tesla’s robotaxi service occurs at a pivotal time: reports indicate that Elon Musk’s stake in SpaceX currently exceeds the value of his Tesla shares. Additionally, in a recent X post, Musk revealed plans for Tesla vehicles to autonomously navigate from the factory to the residences of their new owners starting June 28.

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