Are you ready for the future of mobility? Tesla's Robotaxi fleet has reached a milestone: The first Model Y vehicles are driving without safety drivers on the streets of Austin, Texas, and are registered on the official website of the Texas Department of Transportation (Texas DOT). Here you will learn everything about the current test phase, the technology, and what it means for European Tesla fans.
Robotaxi Tracking: Publicly Viewable
Since June 15, 2025, Tesla's Robotaxi fleet has been listed on the Automated Vehicle Deployment Website of the Texas DOT, where the movements of the vehicles can be publicly tracked. Currently, a single Model Y is active as an autonomous ride-sharing vehicle in the Austin Metro Area. Important details:
The absence of a safety driver marks a turning point: The liability now lies with Tesla, not a driver. This is the first publicly sanctioned deployment of Tesla's Unsupervised FSD (Full Self-Driving) without human supervision. For you, this shows: Tesla is ready to take responsibility and put the technology to the test.
Test Phase: Safety is a Priority
The current phase is a test phase, in which Tesla is collecting data on the safety of Unsupervised FSD. The vehicle operates in a geofenced area – only in safe, defined parts of Austin – and avoids complex areas like school zones or tricky driveways. Teleoperators monitor the vehicles remotely and can intervene if necessary, for example, in traffic issues. Videos show a Robotaxi confidently making turns and observing pedestrians, which builds trust in the technology. For European drivers, this is exciting: It shows how Tesla prioritizes safety before the service becomes public.
Regulation: A Breakthrough
The registration with the Texas DOT is a regulatory milestone. Previously, strict regulations were seen as a hurdle for Tesla's Robotaxi plans, but the listing as an autonomous operator signals approval from the authorities. The City of Austin also tracks Robotaxi incidents, which creates transparency. Elon Musk emphasized that the fleet will initially remain small (10-20 vehicles) but is expected to grow quickly, with hundreds of thousands of Robotaxis by the end of 2026 in the USA. For Europe, this means: Similar regulatory progress could pave the way for Robotaxis in cities like Berlin or Amsterdam once EU legislation follows suit.
Technology: Vision-Only and Teleoperation
Tesla's Robotaxi uses Vision-Only technology with cameras and AI, without radar or lidar, which sets it apart from competitors like Waymo. Musk argues that cameras resemble human eyes, which are designed for the roads. The vehicles have audio inputs , to recognize sirens from emergency vehicles, and run with new FSD software that differs from that in customer vehicles. Teleoperation plays a major role: remote operators monitor the fleet, which increases safety but also raises questions about autonomy. For you as a tech enthusiast, this shows that Tesla's approach is innovative, but not yet fully autonomous.
Challenges: Weather and Public Acceptance
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has expressed concerns about how Tesla's FSD responds in poor visibility conditions (e.g., fog, rain) and requested detailed information in May 2025. Robotaxis have been spotted in Austin in clear weather, but complex conditions remain a hurdle. Additionally, there is skepticism among the population: residents reported robotaxis circling conspicuously often, causing discomfort. For European markets, where data protection and safety are strict criteria, these points must be clarified before a rollout is realistic.
Market Launch: When for the Public?
Musk mentioned June 22, 2025 as a preliminary start date for public rides but emphasized that safety takes precedence, which could delay the date. The fleet will start with 10 vehicles and is expected to grow to 1,000 before expanding to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Antonio. The service will initially be invite-only, meaning only for selected users. For European customers, this means: A start is conceivable at the earliest in 2027, as the EU has stricter rules and Tesla first serves the USA.
Conclusion: A Step into the Future
Tesla's robotaxi deployment in Austin is a breakthrough that shows autonomous driving is becoming a reality. Registration with the Texas DOT, the absence of a safety driver, and public traceability mark a turning point. For you as a European Tesla fan, it's a taste of the future, even if the rollout here will take time. Follow the progress on the Texas DOT website (filter: “Tesla”), and stay tuned to see how Tesla's robotaxi changes mobility!
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