Tesla is moving closer to the launch of its long-anticipated robotaxi service, with CEO Elon Musk revealing that driverless Model Y vehicles are currently undergoing tests in Austin, Texas. The electric carmaker is targeting June 12 for a potential rollout, marking a significant step in its push toward fully autonomous transportation.
Speaking on Thursday, Musk confirmed that the company is actively testing a fleet of driverless Model Y units as part of its pilot robotaxi program. This development follows Musk’s earlier statement that the initial rollout would include 10 to 20 vehicles.
“We are seeing very promising performance from our Full Self-Driving (FSD) system,” Musk said. “The first driverless rides could be available to select users in Austin as early as next month.”
The initiative positions Austin as a launchpad for Tesla’s robotaxi ambitions. The city has become an important hub for the company, which relocated its headquarters to Texas in 2021 and continues to expand operations at its massive Giga Texas factory.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology, still classified as a Level 2 driver-assist system, has faced scrutiny from regulators over safety and the accuracy of its branding. However, Musk insists the system has made significant strides, citing internal data that demonstrates safer-than-human performance in many scenarios.
The upcoming deployment in Austin will be closely watched by industry experts, regulators, and consumers alike. If successful, it could mark a turning point not only for Tesla but for the broader autonomous vehicle industry.
Still, major challenges remain, including regulatory approval, public trust, and real-world performance in complex urban environments. Tesla has yet to receive full regulatory clearance for a truly driverless service, and critics argue that Musk’s ambitious timelines often face delays.
Despite the uncertainties, Tesla’s decision to move forward with limited driverless deployment signals confidence in its technology and a desire to stay ahead in the evolving race toward autonomous mobility.
If Tesla meets its June 12 target, it would be the company’s first real-world implementation of a driverless robotaxi concept, potentially reshaping urban transportation models in the years to come.
