Tesla tests robotaxi service with FSD Supervised – launch is getting closer

It's getting serious: Tesla has started initial tests of its ride-hailing service based on Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised in Austin and the Bay Area. The autonomous ride-sharing platform is currently being used by Tesla employees – in preparation for the planned market launch in June 2025. With over 1,500 test drives and 15,000 miles on the clock, Tesla shows: The robotaxi concept is no longer a vision, but soon a reality.

FSD Supervised in action: Ride-hailing with Tesla employees

The new test phase is running in two US metropolises:

Austin, Texas – Tesla's robotaxi main location
San Francisco Bay Area – for urban, complex test conditions

Here, Tesla uses a group of selected employees as passengers. The vehicles – predominantly revised Model 3s – are operated with FSD Supervised, but a safety driver is still at the wheel.

Special feature: The passengers can control their ride via touchscreen in the back – for example, select destinations or add stops.

Already over 1,500 rides: Robotaxi system is trained in practical scenarios

According to Tesla's AI team, so far:

1,500 rides completed
over 24,000 kilometers covered

The goal of the test phase is not only to validate the FSD software but also to optimize:

vehicle allocation
mobile app functionality
"Mission Control" & remote support
user interaction in the vehicle

Tesla calls this a “system-wide validation”, to be able to deliver a fully integrated, secure product by the time of introduction.

The big launch is coming in summer – with private vehicle involvement

The planned public launch of the robotaxi service in Austin in June 2025 is expected to create an entirely new mobility offering. There will be two types of robotaxis:

Private vehicles in the network:
Tesla owners can offer their vehicle when they are not using it themselves – similar to Airbnb, but for cars.
Cybercab (from 2026/2027):
A fully autonomous, two-seater vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals, developed exclusively for robotaxi use.

Autonomous parking: FSD is also being used in Giga Texas

In parallel, FSD is already being integrated into Tesla's factory routine. In Giga Texas, new Model Y vehicles are parked automatically – an indication that the FSD functions are becoming increasingly important not only for passengers but also for internal logistics.

Conclusion
With over 1,500 test drives and a functioning app integration, Tesla is approaching the live launch of its robotaxi service in Austin. The combined approach of employee tests, system optimization, and FSD scaling shows: The autonomous ride-sharing future is on the doorstep. And Tesla aims to be at the forefront – with technology, platform, and a completely new business model.