Tesla is set to launch its first fully autonomous robotaxi service in June 2025, initially operating in Austin, Texas. The service will be deployed without human supervisors in the vehicle, marking a significant step towards complete self-driving technology. This was reported by The Verge.
Currently, Tesla’s autonomous taxi fleet operates with safety drivers who are ready to take control if needed. However, the upcoming service will rely entirely on Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. Despite previous assurances that Tesla owners would be able to integrate their vehicles into the company’s ride-hailing network, the initial rollout will be limited to Tesla’s own fleet.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk likened the gradual introduction of the service to cautiously entering water.
“We just want to dip a toe in, make sure everything is okay, then put in a few more fingers. Our top priority is the safety of the public and those in the vehicle,” Musk stated.
A Key Milestone in Self-Driving Technology
In its latest shareholder update, Tesla revealed that as of January 2025, its customers have driven more than 3 billion miles using FSD under supervision. The company views this as a major step towards full autonomy, though it continues to stress that drivers must remain alert, as the system does not yet offer complete self-driving capabilities.
To support the expansion of FSD, Tesla announced plans to increase its computing power for AI training by more than 400% in 2025.
Unlike many competitors in the autonomous vehicle sector, Tesla has chosen not to incorporate lidar technology, relying solely on cameras and neural network processing. This approach has led to challenges, particularly in adverse weather conditions and scenarios where bright sunlight interferes with sensors. Furthermore, FSD has faced difficulties in detecting motorcyclists. A fatal accident involving a motorcyclist in Seattle in late 2024 raised concerns over the system’s ability to safely navigate complex real-world environments.
Demonstrations and Future Plans
Recently, Tesla released footage of dozens of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles driving a mile on a closed course without human intervention. Musk also announced that autonomous Teslas will soon be deployed within the company’s Texas factory.
The success of Tesla’s robotaxi service will be closely watched, as regulatory and safety considerations remain key hurdles to widespread adoption. The company’s move towards unsupervised self-driving technology represents a major shift in the automotive industry, potentially redefining urban mobility in the coming years.
