Overview

• Tesla launched its Robotaxi service on June 22 in Austin, Texas, deploying 10 to 20 Model Ys in a confined downtown area with human safety monitors on board.
• The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation after videos circulated showing possible traffic violations such as speeding, wrong-way driving and abrupt stops by the autonomous vehicles.
• Tesla relies exclusively on cameras in its Robotaxi vehicles without Lidar or radar sensors, prompting experts to question the reliability of its perception system.
• The invitation-only service is available to selected Tesla enthusiasts and influencers for a flat fee of $4.20 per ride.
• Tesla says it plans to expand the Robotaxi fleet to more than 1,000 vehicles within months and to introduce a dedicated Cybercab model without a steering wheel or pedals next year.