Tesla is finally launching its self-driving taxi service in the United States. The company promises a unique experience at a low price. However, one detail shows that the announced revolution is not yet fully realized.
Tesla is making a reality a project it has been discussing for years: offering an self-driving transportation service, without a driver behind the wheel. This launch, expected as a show of strength against already well-established competitors like Waymo and Zoox, is part of a broader strategy to position the company as a major player in artificial intelligence applied to mobility. Elon Musk has made it a central issue for the future of the brand.
Since June 22, the first rides have been offered in Austin, Texas, in a restricted area, for a fixed rate of $4.20 (around 3.90 euros). The service operates via a dedicated app, currently reserved for a small group of invited users. The fleet consists of around ten modified Model Ys, running with the latest generation Full Self-Driving system. The official launch therefore marks a turning point, even if the test version remains very regulated.
Tesla deploys around ten Robotaxi with a supervisor on board and limited access
In the videos shared on X by the first passengers, the vehicles are driving without an active driver. The driver's seat is empty, but a safety monitor (monitoring agent) is present at the front, on the passenger side. It has no access to any steering or speed controls, but can trigger the Robotaxi to stop in the event of a problem. The journeys take place in real conditions, with interactions in traffic. According to feedback, driving feels natural, although some harsh braking or hesitation at intersections has been observed.
This launch allows Tesla to keep to its schedule by showing a functional product, but the service remains for the moment very far from widespread autonomous use. The area is demarcated, the hours are restricted, and only selected passengers can access it. The arrival of a Cybercab without a steering wheel or pedals is still planned, but this pilot phase shows that full autonomy is not yet ready for large-scale deployment. Faced with already well-established competition, the manufacturer is playing a cautious first card here in a technological race that is only just beginning.
Here is my experience (in 4K) from earlier today in one of the world's first ever public Tesla Robotaxi rides in Austin, Texas with FSD Unsupervised! No one is in the driver's seat and the safety monitor in the passenger seat does not have a steering wheel or pedals.
It was awesome. pic.twitter.com/2Ied9SYvUT
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) June 22, 2025
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