Overview

• Tesla deployed 10 to 20 driverless Model Y vehicles running its Full Self-Driving software on Austin streets during a pilot operating from 6 a.m. to midnight.
• Early access is limited to selected users including social media influencers who summon rides via a dedicated app for a flat fee of $4.20.
• Each vehicle includes a safety monitor in the front passenger seat equipped with emergency controls to intervene in unexpected scenarios.
• Texas law will require autonomous vehicle operators to secure a state permit before driverless services become broadly available on September 1.
• Tesla aims to expand its robotaxi fleet to 1,000 vehicles within months and launch services in San Francisco and Los Angeles as it challenges incumbents such as Waymo and Zoox.