Tesla distributes a second batch of invitations for robot taxi services
Tesla's much-anticipated Robotaxi service has officially commenced operations in Austin, Texas, as of June 22, 2025. The service, powered by Tesla's latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, is currently in a pilot phase, catering to a select group of early testers.
Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, announced the tentative public launch date, stating that the initial rollout involves 10 to 20 driverless Model Y vehicles operating within geo-fenced areas of Austin. Musk emphasized that this date could still be subject to change due to safety considerations.
The pilot program is primarily for Tesla investors and enthusiasts who received "Early Access" invitations to test the Robotaxi service. Rides are currently confined to limited areas, and the service is not yet broadly available to the general public across the U.S.
Regarding the wider public availability, no specific date has been announced yet. Musk and analysts have indicated that the software and regulatory approvals might require additional iterations and time before scaling the service fully. The cautious approach with geo-fenced early deployments suggests that Tesla aims to refine their system thoroughly before a broader public rollout.
The invites for the second round are being sent out to high-profile Tesla owners, tech influencers, and prominent figures within the Tesla community. The fee for a Robotaxi ride remains at $4.20 per trip, a playful nod from Elon Musk, becoming a recurring theme with Tesla launches.
Early users are encouraged to share their feedback and experiences, which could help shape the service before a wider rollout. The service operates within a geo-fenced area and offers fully autonomous rides, but with a Tesla Safety Monitor in the passenger seat and teleoperators on speed dial.
Mainstream media has been highlighting any kinks or hiccups with Tesla's Robotaxi service. However, the company remains optimistic about the future of this groundbreaking technology. For those interested in early access to the Robotaxi service in their city, Tesla has launched an official sign-up page on its website.
A recent tweet indicates that some recipients of the second round of invites have already received them. As the Robotaxi service continues to evolve, we can expect more updates and developments in the coming months.
The Robotaxi service, initiated by Tesla, is expected to expand its reach beyond the initial pilot group as high-profile owners, tech influencers, and industry leaders receive invitations to participate, signifying the technology sector's keen interest in the development. Furthermore, the finance sector is closely monitoring Tesla's progress in transportation and technology, as the implementation of this groundbreaking autonomous service could revolutionize various industries, including finance.
