Tesla Begins Testing Robotaxi Service in Austin with Limited Rides

Tesla has launched its first Robotaxi rides in Austin, Texas, marking a significant milestone for the company’s autonomous vehicle ambitions. The cautious test, which took place on June 22, 2025, was attended by social media influencers and Tesla investors. The rides were limited to specific areas within the city, and human safety monitors were present in the vehicles. CEO Elon Musk described the launch as the result of a decade of work, while emphasizing the company’s commitment to safety. Tesla chose Austin for its regulatory flexibility regarding autonomous vehicles, but concerns remain about the safety standards as new state laws regulating self-driving cars are set to take effect in September. Tesla’s Robotaxi service uses the company’s Model Y vehicles, not the Cybercab concept previously unveiled by Musk. Despite leading the electric vehicle market, Tesla is now playing catch-up in the autonomous vehicle sector, where companies like Google’s Waymo have already made significant progress. The limited user experience was mostly positive, with passengers expressing excitement about the driverless rides. The launch, however, comes at a delicate time for Musk, who is working to reshape his public image amid political controversies and challenges to Tesla’s stock performance.