Overview
- Tesla launched its robotaxi operations in Austin on June 22 using Model Y vehicles equipped with onboard safety monitors and remote teleoperators.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a formal probe after social media videos showed robotaxis swerving into oncoming lanes and exceeding posted speed limits.
- One vehicle stalled in the middle of the road when a pull-over command was issued, requiring repeated remote-operator intervention to resume the ride.
- Industry experts warn that Tesla’s camera-only Full Self-Driving system faces significant hurdles to scale safely to millions of vehicles by next year.
- Tesla shares fell about 1.4% in postmarket trading after Bloomberg reported the NHTSA inquiry following the launch.