Overview

• Tesla launched its first commercial robotaxi rides on June 22 in a confined area of south Austin, inviting only selected Tesla fans to book trips via an app.
• The service runs from 6 a.m. to midnight with a fixed fare of $4.20 per ride and can be suspended during inclement weather.
• A state law signed by Governor Greg Abbott requires Tesla to obtain a special permit from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles by September 1, granting regulators revocable oversight over autonomous operations.
• The fleet consists of about ten Model Y SUVs fitted with emergency-stop controls and onboard safety monitors, with Tesla targeting a 2026 launch for its purpose-built Cybercab model.
• The company intends to expand the robotaxi rollout to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Antonio but faces competition from Waymo, Zoox, Cruise and other established autonomous vehicle services.