After years of anticipation, Tesla officially launched its long-awaited robotaxi service last Sunday (22 June), in Austin, Texas. For the first time, Tesla vehicles operated without human drivers while transporting paying passengers, with each ride priced at US$4.20 (RM18).
The current fleet consists of ten refreshed Model Y vehicles, equipped with Tesla’s latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and marked with distinctive Robotaxi decals. Eventually, it will be replaced by the specially-designed Cybercab – a two-door, two-seater coupé with scissor doors and no steering wheel or pedals.
Currently, the service is available only in select areas of Austin, Texas, from 6:00am to 12:00am, but availability may be affected by inclement weather. Additionally, it is restricted to users aged 18 and above.
The pilot rollout was limited to a select group of Tesla owners who had received early access invitations. These individuals were carefully vetted and, according to TechCrunch, are among the company’s most loyal supporters.
Inside, passengers can control their ride experience via a rear-seat touchscreen—adjusting the air conditioning, customising seating positions, and even streaming their own music during the trip. Passengers can also pull over or stop the ride if needed.
Since the launch, many people have taken to social media to share their first experiences of riding in a Robotaxi. Based on the videos posted, the system appears to be working quite well.
Nevertheless, there are some flaws. For one, the term “unsupervised” previously used was misleading, as each Robotaxi currently includes a Tesla “safety driver” seated in the passenger seat, ready to intervene if needed. This is notably different from other driverless taxi services in the US, such as Waymo.
Passengers are also not allowed to sit in the driver’s seat—it’s the rear bench or nothing, unfortunately. Additionally, riders must be at least 18 years old, and the service is restricted to a small, geofenced area within the state capital.
(Source: Tesla / TechCrunch)
