Driverless Tesla Robotaxis Hit the Roads

Everyone has heard of Tesla and its electric cars. With their extensive driving range and excellent technological advancements, they have pushed the boundaries of modern automotive design and engineering. And now, they are trying to do the same thing again. 

Tesla Delays Affordable EV to Focus on Robotaxis

Tesla has delayed their plans to produce and release an affordable electric vehicle, which will be priced below the Model 3, so that it can concentrate their full efforts on creating an autonomous robotaxi service. Yes, you heard that correctly. Tesla wants to produce a taxi service that will drive you to where you want to go without anyone actually driving. 

Real-World Robotaxis Testing in Texas

There have been recent reports that they are aiming to launch this service in Texas this month. While history will tell us that Tesla timelines are somewhat sketchy, it seems like this time they might be on track. In a video spotted by CarScoops, a Tesla Model Y is shown to be driving autonomously and seems to be in complete control of its navigation and direction. Behind it, another Model Y is moving very close to it. The second car does not have its “Robotaxi” signage. Therefore, it is safe to assume that this car is monitoring the first while it is driving on its own. Just to ensure nothing untoward happens. 

Tesla’s Safety Measures and Oversight

A statement from Tesla seems to confirm this video. They ensured everyone that all unmanned autonomous vehicles will be supervised by a human, either physically, like we have seen, or remotely. This failsafe will ensure that Tesla is not in another scandal surrounding their attempts at safely pushing self-driving vehicles.   

From a regulatory point of view, Tesla also seems to be on track as they have been approved as an official operator of self-driving vehicles in Texas, I’m sure with many other states ot follow. But all in all, they are still in the testing phase of this project. It will be a while before we will be hailing a driverless Uber.  

The Race Toward Autonomy

Tesla is not the only automotive brand trying to be the first to fill this gap in the market.

• Waymo has launched its driverless services in Austin and has partnered with the taxi giant, Uber.

• Motional, owned by Hyundai, is rumored to be in the developmental stage.

• Amazon’s Zoox is expected to hit the streets later this year.

What Elon Musk Has to Say

The CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk took to his social media platform, X, to ensure that the official robotaxi launch would not be an invitation-only event. This is an indication that their autonomous vehicles are on the correct schedule. As of now, they still have not officially become a part of our roadways, but it is only a matter of time.

The Future Is (Almost) Here

It is crazy to think that self-driving vehicles are actually set to become a part of our everyday life. Still, like EVs, automakers are determined to keep pushing the boundaries. They want vehicles to streamline and improve our lives.