Tesla Launches Limited Robotaxi Pilot in Austin Amid Safety Scrutiny

Tesla is preparing to launch its long-anticipated robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with a pilot starting as early as June 22, 2025. The initial rollout will be limited, reportedly featuring around 10 Tesla Model Y vehicles operating in specific areas while avoiding the city's most challenging intersections, with rides likely restricted to Tesla employees and invited guests. Tesla CEO Elon Musk emphasized a cautious approach to safety, indicating the launch date could shift based on final assessments, and highlighted that the robotaxis require no structural vehicle modifications beyond software updates enabling full self-driving capabilities. The service faces significant competition in Austin from established players like Waymo, Zoox, and Volkswagen, each employing different autonomous technology stacks with varying safety safeguards. Tesla's camera-only Full Self-Driving system is unique but under scrutiny, as it is currently being investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration due to crash reports and concerns about performance in adverse conditions. Despite skepticism from experts, Tesla aims to reshape urban mobility with its electric robotaxis, potentially offering scalable, low-cost, and safer autonomous transport if safety and regulatory challenges are resolved.