Tesla Plans for Launch of Austin's Robotaxi Service on June 12th as Per Report
Tesla's Robotaxi Service Launches in Austin, Texas
Tesla's much-anticipated robotaxi service made its debut in Austin, Texas on June 22, 2025. The service, initially limited to a small fleet of vehicles operating within a designated geofenced area, marked a significant step forward in Tesla's long-term strategy of autonomous mobility and artificial intelligence.
The service, powered by the Cybercab, a vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals, began operations under active supervision by safety monitors and was limited to invited riders. Since the launch, Tesla has been gradually expanding both the rider base and the service area, doubling the original service zone to about 80 square miles by early August 2025, including suburbs outside Austin's city center.
Regarding regulatory status, Tesla secured a rideshare license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which is required under a new Texas law effective September 1, 2025. This law governs autonomous vehicle rideshare operations similarly to those using human drivers, imposing requirements such as vehicle cameras, insurance, and traffic law compliance. Tesla Robotaxi LLC is now officially registered as a transportation network company licensee in Texas, alongside companies like Uber and Lyft.
Federal regulators, specifically the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), are closely monitoring Tesla's robotaxi program. NHTSA requested to test the service in July 2025 and has sought detailed information about Tesla’s robotaxi fleet size, public launch plans, and use of remote operators. Tesla’s response to these inquiries is under confidential review.
The City of Austin has formed a task force to coordinate with AV operators like Tesla and Alphabet's Waymo. Tesla intends to scale the robotaxi service to thousands of vehicles in the coming months, gradually expanding the service to a broader public base.
Texas-and Austin in particular-has a relaxed regulatory environment for autonomous vehicles compared to states like California, making it an attractive location for Tesla's robotaxi service launch. Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, has stated that Tesla's future lies in autonomous mobility and artificial intelligence, not just electric vehicle production.
[1] Tesla's Robotaxi Service Launches in Austin [2] Austin's Robotaxi Service: Tesla's First Steps [3] Tesla's Robotaxi Service Expands in Austin [4] Tesla Secures Rideshare License in Texas [5] NHTSA Investigates Tesla's Robotaxi Program
[1] The debut of Tesla's Robotaxi Service marks a significant leap in their long-term strategy, focusing on autonomous mobility and artificial intelligence, as it launches in Austin, Texas.
[2] As Austin, Texas becoming the host city for Tesla's much-anticipated robotaxi service, the company is gradually expanding both the rider base and the service area, doubling the original zone to about 80 square miles by early August 2025.
