Tesla plans to launch its long-awaited robo-taxi service on June 22, 2025, but the launch will be limited — the company will prepare only about 10 cars to operate in selected areas of the city. According to the Financial Times, the cars will avoid difficult intersections and, if necessary, be taken under control by remote operators.
Back in May, Elon Musk suggested that the initial batch would consist of fewer than 12 cars. According to the New York Times, the service will initially be available only to company employees or invited guests. A broad launch could take months.
The service is based on the Full Self Driving system, which has long been the subject of criticism and has yet to prove full autonomy. Tesla is currently under investigation by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over FSD-related accidents.
Tesla presented the concept of a self-driving taxi back in October 2024. According to Musk's vision, any Tesla electric car can become a robo-taxi during downtime, and the future of autonomous transport is a cheaper and safer alternative to public transport.
By the way, Texas lawmakers recently formally asked Tesla to delay the company's planned launch of its robo-taxi in Austin by several months. The request was prompted by the implementation of a new law that will take effect in September.