Tesla has officially launched its long-anticipated robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, marking a major step forward in its pursuit of fully autonomous vehicles. For the first time, Tesla vehicles operated without human drivers are carrying paying passengers ushering in what CEO Elon Musk calls a “new era” for the electric vehicle giant.
The rollout took place on Sunday, with a small fleet of self-driving Teslas deployed around Austin. The event was announced by Musk via his platform X (formerly Twitter), where he described it as the “culmination of a decade of hard work.” He credited the achievement to Tesla’s in-house development teams, stating that “the AI chip and software teams were built from scratch within Tesla.”
Social media influencers were among the first to take rides in the robotaxis, sharing videos that quickly went viral. The footage showed passengers enjoying seamless, if sometimes cautious, journeys through the Texas capital without a human behind the wheel.
The launch is a critical milestone for Musk, who has repeatedly promised fully autonomous Teslas since 2014, though previous timelines have gone unmet. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology has faced scrutiny and regulatory hurdles over the years, with critics citing safety concerns and technological limitations. However, this limited launch signals that the company believes the software is finally ready for real-world testing with the general public.
The service currently operates in a confined area of Austin and remains in a pilot phase, but it has major implications for Tesla’s future. Musk has long touted robotaxis as a cornerstone of the company’s growth strategy, envisioning a future where Teslas generate passive income for owners and reduce the need for traditional car ownership.
Analysts remain cautiously optimistic. While the robotaxi rollout shows clear progress, widespread adoption will depend on regulatory approval, public trust, and the system’s performance under varied and unpredictable road conditions.
Nonetheless, the launch marks a symbolic turning point in the race toward autonomous mobility and a possible new revenue stream for Tesla as it doubles down on AI-powered transportation.
