New York: Tesla will reportedly launch its completely self-driving robotaxis in Austin on Sunday. However, rather than Tesla’s futuristic Cybercab, the initial robotaxi launch will feature Model Y SUVs. Supporters see this as another milestone in Tesla’s journey to lead the EV revolution, especially after sales plummeted by 71 percent in the first quarter in various markets.

placeholder
Tesla's Cybercab robotaxi is displayed during the AutoMobility LA 2024 auto show at the Los Angeles Convention Center | Photo: Robyn Beck/AFP

This announcement follows Musk’s political stint in the Trump administration, after which the two men had a public falling-out. Musk had earlier announced the launch for Aug 8, 2024. Wedbush Securities tech analyst Dan Ives told media on Friday that, "There are countless skeptics of the Tesla robotaxi vision with many bears thinking this day would never come. The golden era of autonomous for Tesla officially kicks off on Sunday in Austin." Initially planned for June 12, the launch was delayed since the company wanted to ensure safety protocols were in place.

Safety first

Musk reportedly told CNBC that he would probably operate no more than 10 autonomous vehicles in the first week. But that number will rise to perhaps 1,000 "within a few months," he added, "And then we will expand to other cities.... San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Antonio."

Austin was chosen as the launch site due to its regulations favouring Autonomous Vehicle (AV) testing. However, Tesla has been informed that a new bill enacted by the Texas legislature this year mandates prior authorization from the Department of Motor Vehicles before companies can operate on a public road sans human drivers. The company was asked to delay testing until after September 1, when the law would be implemented.

(with inputs from AFP)