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Tesla has quietly launched its much-anticipated robotaxi service using driverless Model Y SUVs, marking a significant step in the electric carmaker’s efforts to deploy autonomous vehicles powered solely by cameras and artificial intelligence.
The launch comes after years of bold projections by CEO Elon Musk, who has repeatedly promised the imminent arrival of fully autonomous Tesla vehicles. The company is now offering early access to a limited number of vetted users through a new app-based hailing service operating from 6:00 a.m. to midnight daily, though the rides remain subject to weather-related interruptions.
A flat fare of $4.20 per ride—seen by some as a nod to Musk’s past online antics—has been set for the pilot service. Initial reports suggest that around ten 2025 Model Y vehicles are operating in a closely defined area, each monitored by a Tesla employee seated in the front passenger seat. Tesla has described these individuals as “safety monitors,” though their exact responsibilities and level of intervention remain unclear.
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