Tesla Plans Autonomous Ride-Hailing Launch in Austin by June

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the company is on track to launch its autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin, Texas, this June, with plans to expand to other U.S. cities by the end of 2025. The initial fleet will consist of existing Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, while the fully autonomous Cybercab—designed without steering wheels or pedals—will enter production in 2026. Musk emphasized that Tesla's autonomous technology aims to exceed human driving safety standards, potentially reducing accidents dramatically. The company is navigating regulatory environments in Texas, where laws are more favorable for autonomous vehicle testing compared to California. Tesla's push into autonomous ride-hailing comes amidst a challenging market landscape, with the need to maintain investor confidence following a drop in annual deliveries. This move positions Tesla to compete with existing robotaxi services from companies like Waymo already operating in Austin.