Tesla Plans Robotaxi Expansion to Austin, San Francisco Bay Area

Tesla is preparing to expand its robotaxi service from Austin, Texas, to the San Francisco Bay Area, pending regulatory approval from California authorities. The current Austin pilot involves a limited fleet with safety monitors onboard, and Tesla plans to extend the Austin service area this weekend while awaiting clearance to launch in the Bay Area within the next couple of months. If approved, Tesla's service will allow Bay Area residents to hail autonomous Teslas with onboard safety monitors, entering a competitive market against Waymo, which has recently expanded its own driverless service in California. The expansion faces challenges due to California's strict regulations on self-driving vehicles. Analysts maintain a cautious outlook on Tesla's stock, with an average price target slightly below the current share price and a "Hold" recommendation, reflecting uncertainty about near-term performance. Overall, Tesla's robotaxi initiative represents a significant step in the company's autonomous vehicle strategy amid evolving market and regulatory dynamics.