Tesla has initiated a trial run of its much-anticipated Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. The initial phase involves a select group of social media influencers, offering them driverless rides before a wider public rollout. Each ride is priced at approximately ₹365 ($4.20), as stated by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who characterized the launch as the culmination of a decade of effort. Videos circulating online showcase the Tesla vehicles navigating without a driver, operating within specific areas of Austin and limited to a 6 AM to midnight timeframe, contingent upon weather conditions. The Robotaxi software and AI chip were developed in-house at Tesla. The current trial utilizes about 10 vehicles, predominantly Model Y SUVs, with safety riders present during these early tests. Influencer Sawyer Merritt shared his experience, highlighting the smooth and comfortable nature of the ride. The booking process appears to be managed through a Tesla Robotaxi app. However, expansion plans face potential hurdles due to a new Texas law requiring self-driving vehicle operators to obtain state permits. The legislation also grants Texas officials the authority to revoke permits if public risk is perceived. Tesla confronts competition from Waymo (partnered with Uber) and Amazon’s Zoox in Austin. Despite the launch, the service is currently limited to a small number of users.
