Tesla Robotaxi: Robotaxi launch: Event date, place, time and all news about Tesla’s new autonomous
Tesla is finally putting its long-promised robotaxi service to the test. Starting June 22, a limited number of Tesla robotaxis will hit the roads in Austin, Texas, marking a major milestone for Elon Musk’s vision of a driverless future. But while this is a big step, it’s still just the beginning.
What’s Happening and Where?
The robotaxi rollout starts in Austin with a small fleet of Model Y vehicles—not the flashy new CyberCab Musk unveiled last year. The service is currently invite-only, with social media influencers and select users getting the first crack at trying out the autonomous ride experience.
Here are a few key details about the launch:
- Only operates in parts of Austin deemed “safest” by Tesla
- Geofenced service area with limited range
- No airport trips allowed
- Tesla Safety Monitor in the passenger seat
- Remote operators will be watching the rides in real-time
Tesla aims to kick things off with 10 vehicles, and if all goes well, expand later to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Why This Matters
Elon Musk has talked about launching a robotaxi since 2019, and originally promised it would be ready by 2020. That obviously didn’t happen. Now, in 2025, the pressure is on for Musk to finally deliver.
In a recent interview with CNBC, Musk said it’s smart to start small and scale up. “We want to confirm things are going well before we expand,” he noted.
What’s the Big Picture?
Industry analysts are paying close attention. Wedbush’s Dan Ives believes this could be the beginning of a “golden era of autonomy” for Tesla. If the robotaxi service takes off, Tesla’s valuation could soar past $2 trillion—double what it is today.
However, Tesla is no longer ahead in the self-driving race. Waymo, owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, is already running a robotaxi service in several U.S. cities and recently passed 10 million rides. They’re also preparing to test autonomous cars in New York City.
Not Everyone Is On Board
Tesla’s rollout isn’t without controversy. On June 18, a group of Texas lawmakers urged the company to delay the launch until September 1, when new self-driving vehicle laws take effect in the state. They’re asking Tesla to show that it will comply with these updated regulations.
Meanwhile, safety advocates are raising red flags. The Dawn Project, a tech safety group critical of Tesla’s software, demonstrated a test where a Tesla Model Y (with current self-driving software) failed to stop for a school bus and hit a mannequin representing a child. Founder Dan O’Dowd said the software is “not ready for public roads” and can’t even reliably recognize a school bus.
The Bottom Line
Tesla’s robotaxi launch is a big step forward—but it’s also just a test run. With tight safety controls, limited access, and mounting scrutiny, the company will need to prove not just that the tech works, but that it’s safe, reliable, and ready for the real world.
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