esla CEO Elon Musk has announced that the company will launch its Tesla Robotaxi Austin service in Austin, Texas, starting June 22. However, he noted that the date is tentative and may shift due to safety precautions.
Musk shared that he will fly from Los Angeles to Austin for the official launch. Additionally, the first driverless ride — from Tesla’s factory to a customer’s home — is scheduled for June 28, which is also his birthday.
🤖 Robotaxi Preview: A Glimpse of the Future
Earlier that day, Musk posted a short video on X (formerly Twitter). It showed a Tesla Model Y driving autonomously around Austin. Notably, no one was behind the wheel. The black SUV featured a white, graffiti-style “Tesla Robotaxi Austin” logo. It was even seen stopping safely for pedestrians at a crosswalk.
Limited Rollout With Full Self-Driving (FSD)
To begin with, Tesla will deploy only 10 to 20 vehicles. These cars will use the latest version of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. This version is designed to operate without human supervision. Initially, the service will be limited to certain zones in Austin, controlled by geofencing.
While the CyberCab (Tesla’s dedicated robotaxi vehicle) is still in development, the Model Y will serve as the test car for now. Tesla staff will monitor the rides remotely to ensure safety.
Safety Concerns and Planned Protest
Although many Tesla fans are thrilled, others are raising safety concerns. In response, several groups — including The Dawn Project, Tesla Takedown, and Resist Austin — plan to protest on June 12 in downtown Austin.
These organizations criticize Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD features, claiming they pose risks to public safety. Dan O’Dowd, CEO of Green Hills Software and leader of The Dawn Project, said their mission is to promote tech safety. Notably, his company works with Tesla competitors like Ford and Toyota.
Musk’s Other Ventures and Controversies
Beyond Tesla, Musk leads SpaceX, xAI, and the social platform X. Known for his bold approach to entrepreneurship, he also briefly headed the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, where he rolled back regulations affecting his businesses.
In recent months, Musk has made headlines for donating nearly $300 million to support Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. He remains the world’s richest person.
