Tesla is officially entering the autonomous ride-hailing race. According to a report from Not a Tesla App, Elon Musk’s company is gearing up to launch its long-awaited robotaxi network on June 12, 2025, starting in Austin, Texas.
This move is expected to reshape how we think about public transportation and could signal the beginning of a driverless future.
What’s a Robotaxi?
A robotaxi is a self-driving car designed to carry passengers without a human driver. Tesla’s version will rely entirely on its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and camera-based vision system, eliminating the need for traditional LiDAR or radar technologies.
Launch Details at a Glance:
- Launch Date: June 12, 2025
- City: Austin, Texas
- Fleet: Around 10 specially-equipped Model Y vehicles
- Access: Tesla employees will be the first users
- Public Use: Expected to open to the public later this summer
Safety First
Tesla has already been testing these self-driving vehicles on public roads in Texas without anyone in the driver’s seat. A test engineer will still be present during the rollout, but their role is purely observational.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has contacted Tesla with questions about how these vehicles handle real-world challenges, including:
- Adverse weather
- Roadside emergencies
- Unexpected pedestrian movement
This signals that federal regulators are closely watching the program, although they haven’t blocked the launch.
What’s Next for Tesla’s Robotaxi Dream?
Elon Musk has been teasing the robotaxi vision for years. This initial rollout is just the beginning. By late 2025, Tesla hopes to deploy thousands of robotaxis in major U.S. cities.
Even more exciting is the planned Cybercab – a futuristic, purpose-built autonomous vehicle expected to debut in 2026.
A New Way to Make Money with Your Tesla?
As the network expands, Tesla aims to allow regular Tesla owners to add their vehicles to the robotaxi fleet. Think of it like Airbnb for your car—when you’re not using it, your Tesla could be earning you money on the side.
This model could disrupt traditional ride-hailing giants like Uber and Lyft and offer Tesla a massive new revenue stream.
Source: Not A Tesla App.