Tesla has not yet officially launched its much-anticipated robotaxi service in Austin, contrary to some earlier speculation. While sightings of driverless Tesla vehicles have sparked public interest over the past week, the company has confirmed that these are part of a limited testing phase ahead of a small-scale pilot, now expected to begin on June 22.
Tesla is preparing to deploy around 10 to 20 modified Model Y vehicles in a geofenced area of Austin as part of its initial robotaxi rollout. These vehicles are operating under Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and are reportedly being monitored through teleoperation systems. Observers in the city have noted multiple vehicles operating in loops near residential areas, with some vehicles marked as “Robotaxi,” fueling public curiosity.
Despite visible testing activity, Tesla has opted for a cautious approach in launching the service. The company is refining its software, mapping local routes, and completing safety evaluations in anticipation of the broader launch. U.S. safety regulators have requested detailed information about the robotaxi operations, including how the system will handle adverse conditions and the extent of remote human oversight. Tesla is expected to respond to these inquiries by June 19.
In parallel, Tesla has requested the City of Austin to withhold documents related to the robotaxi program, citing proprietary concerns. This includes operational plans and fare-related details, indicating a tight lid on internal procedures.
The local response has been mixed. While some residents express concern about the quiet presence of driverless cars in their neighborhoods, others are preparing to protest the rollout, citing safety and transparency issues.
The planned public launch remains provisional. Tesla aims to begin with limited service to evaluate performance under real-world conditions before any potential expansion. A longer-term vision includes autonomous rides from the company’s factory to customer homes, which CEO Elon Musk has mentioned could follow within weeks if initial trials proceed as planned.
For now, Austin serves as the quiet testing ground for Tesla’s next step in autonomous mobility—one being watched closely by regulators, investors, and urban residents alike.
