Overview
- Elon Musk confirmed on X that some Austin Robotaxis are operating with no one inside and no safety monitor.
- A widely shared video showed an empty Tesla Model Y driving in the city, which Musk and Tesla executives acknowledged.
- These trials are non-commercial at this stage, and regular service rides continue to include a human safety monitor.
- Independent tracking counts roughly 31 active Robotaxis in Austin, well short of Musk’s stated goal of 500 by year-end.
- Tesla shares rose in early trading on the news, as reporting also notes prior interventions and seven crashes filed with U.S. regulators since the Austin launch.