t has Tesla has taken an important step in California to advance its Robotaxi network. The company is applying for a special permit from the local transport authority to offer driving services in the future - initially with human drivers, but later also completely autonomously.
Why Tesla wants to take off in California
In the USA, California has particularly strict regulations for self-driving vehicles. Tesla would like to start here with the Tesla robotaxi and has therefore submitted the necessary documents for a so-called Transportation Charter-Party Carrier Permit. In concrete terms, this means that Tesla could operate its own fleets instead of just offering a platform. In this way, the company retains full control over maintenance, prices and service quality.
First phase with safety drivers
Although the final plan calls for a fully driverless Tesla robotaxi is planned, the Tesla will send the first vehicles with safety drivers onto the roads. The e-car manufacturer is thus following the example of other companies that also started out with human escorts before making the leap to fully autonomous systems. California requires extensive proof of safety for this - for Tesla an essential step in gaining the trust of the authorities.
Other US states as an alternative
Even if California Tesla offers a large market, market entry could be even faster in Texas. Similar rules apply there for autonomous vehicles as for conventional cars, which significantly lowers the hurdles. Tesla is already planning to launch its robotaxi service in Austin. The service should then also be rolled out in California by the end of the year - once all the formalities have been completed.
Outlook: When will the Tesla robotaxi really arrive?
Currently working Tesla is currently working with the authorities in Texas and California to define common standards for the use of autonomous vehicles. If everything goes smoothly, we could soon see a new era of driverless transportation. This would be the Tesla robotaxi would not only be a milestone for the brand itself, but could revolutionize the entire ride-hailing market in the long term.