Tesla is set to launch a more limited version of its early-stage robotaxi service in San Francisco this weekend, Business Insider reports. The expansion follows the initial rollout of the invite-only service in Austin, Texas, which began June 22.
In San Francisco, Tesla will offer rides with a human driver behind the wheel, as it does not currently hold permits for fully driverless operation, according to California DMV records.
It remains unclear whether Tesla has obtained a permit from California’s Public Utilities Commission to provide rides to the general public. So far, regulatory filings show Tesla is only allowed to offer rides to employees. Business Insider reports the company intends to invite Tesla owners to test the service. On a conference call Wednesday, CEO Elon Musk confirmed that Tesla is actively seeking regulatory approval in the state.
The move into California comes as Tesla faces a legal challenge from the state’s DMV over longstanding claims about the self-driving capabilities of its vehicles. The company is also currently in court over deaths allegedly linked to its Autopilot driver-assistance system.
Tesla’s Austin pilot program remains modest compared to the ambitious robotaxi vision Musk has championed for years. The current service operates mainly in downtown Austin and along a few key routes, with a safety operator seated in the front passenger seat to intervene if needed. Though the pilot launched with around 10 Model Y vehicles, the company hasn’t disclosed how many remain in service — or how often manual intervention has been required.
That reality contrasts sharply with Musk’s long-held promises of a “general solution” for autonomy. At one point, he claimed Tesla’s system would be capable of driving a car from Los Angeles to New York without input — a feat that never materialized.
Musk added this week that Tesla is also pursuing robotaxi expansion in Florida and Arizona. Earlier this month, TechCrunch reported Tesla had begun the certification process in Arizona to test autonomous vehicles with and without a safety driver onboard.
Pump Radar
Stock Alerts