Archive · 18 Aug 2025
Tesla Robo-Taxis to Launch in Austin Next Month, Musk Says
Tesla, led by Elon Musk, is close to launching its self-driving taxi service in Austin, Texas, potentially by September.
The service began with a small trial using Tesla Model Y cars, supervised by safety monitors.
These cars use advanced 'Full Self-Driving' software that's constantly being improved.
Musk expects significant progress in the software soon.
Tesla's system uses cameras to 'see,' unlike Waymo, which uses radar and other sensors.
The aim is to offer a wide-scale self-driving ride-hailing service, with potential expansion across the US, pending regulatory approvals.
This technology is seen as having huge financial potential, influencing Tesla's market value.
Tesla's robo-taxi service is expected to be open to the public in Austin, Texas, in September.
The service initially launched eight weeks ago with a limited number of Tesla Model Ys and a safety monitor.
Tesla's robo-taxis utilize the Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, which improves with each update.
Elon Musk anticipates a 'dramatic gain' with the FSD release in about six weeks.
Tesla's self-driving system uses optical cameras, while Waymo uses radar, lidar, and cameras.
- Who
- Tesla, led by Elon Musk.
- What
- Tesla's robo-taxi service opening to the public.
- When
- Expected to be available in September.
- Where
- Austin, Texas.
- Why
- To offer self-driving ride-hailing and compete with services like Waymo.
- Company
- Tesla
- Location
- Austin, Texas
- Service Type
- Robo-taxi/Self-driving ride-hailing
- Technology
- Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and optical cameras
- Competitor
- Waymo
- Current Valuation of Tesla
- Approximately $1 trillion
- Potential for US expansion
- Musk aims for half of US population by end of year, subject to approvals