Tesla Kicks Off Robotaxi Pilot In Texas: Everything You Need To Know

Tesla has officially begun testing its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. The pilot programme, which started on June 22, is currently limited to specific areas of the city and offers rides at a flat rate of $4.20 (approximately Rs 364). Announced by CEO Elon Musk on social media, the service is powered by a fleet of 10 to 20 vehicles.

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While the cars operate autonomously within a geofenced zone, a safety monitor is present in the passenger seat during this early phase. Initially, the rides are available only to a select group of invited users, including social media influencers who are expected to promote the service. Tesla’s robotaxis are classified as Level 4 autonomous vehicles, meaning they can drive themselves without human input under certain conditions.

What sets Tesla apart from competitors is its reliance solely on cameras for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, skipping over the industry-standard lidar and radar technologies. Musk has long argued that a vision-only system is not only safer but more scalable.

The timing of Tesla’s rollout comes just ahead of new legislation in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott recently signed a bill mandating permits for autonomous vehicle operators. Although the law won’t take effect until September 1, it signals a move toward tighter oversight of driverless technology in the state.

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As Tesla has long-term goals of scaling up to a million driverless cars, the focus remains on safety and public trust. Vehicles are programmed to avoid bad weather and complex driving environments, at least for now.

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