Tesla's Robotaxi Launches June 12 in Austin

Sunita Somvanshi

Tesla's robotaxi service launches June 12 in Austin - will this change how we travel forever?

Photo Source: Tesla. Twitter

Elon Musk confirms they've already started testing driverless cars in Austin "with no incidents" - but is two weeks enough time to ensure safety?

Photo Source: Tesla. Youtube

The initial launch will feature just 10 Model Y SUVs with invited riders, before expanding to public availability by month's end.

Photo Source: Tesla. Twitter

Musk's bold claim: "People should be able to fly to Austin and hail a Robotaxi by the end of June" - but can Tesla deliver on this ambitious timeline?

1. Photo Source: Tesla. Youtube

Tesla's approach differs dramatically from competitors - they rely solely on cameras while Waymo uses additional LiDAR and radar sensors.

Photo Source: Tesla. Twitter

Public trust remains a major hurdle - 60% consider Tesla's self-driving tech "unsafe" and 77% are unwilling to use it.

Photo Source: Tesla. Youtube

Uber's stock dropped 5% following Tesla's announcement, despite being up 40% this year - Wall Street sees the potential threat.

Photo Source: Tesla. Twitter

Beyond robotaxis, Tesla plans "self-delivery" of new vehicles from factory to customers - eliminating showroom pickups entirely.

Photo Source: Tesla. Youtube

Texas's "relaxed rules" for autonomous vehicles made Austin the perfect testing ground - other states might not be so welcoming.

Photo Source: Tesla. Youtube

Waymo has already been operating in Austin since March 2025 - has Tesla waited too long to enter the robotaxi race?

Photo Source: Tesla. Twitter