Tesla is preparing to launch its highly anticipated Robotaxi platform and begin autonomous vehicle deliveries in June, marking a significant milestone in the electric vehicle maker’s long-standing ambition to deploy fully self-driving technology.
Chief Executive Elon Musk said the company intends to roll out the Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, on June 12, with approximately 10 Model Y SUVs initially operating in the city. The pilot will expand as the vehicles demonstrate consistent safety performance. Musk also announced that Tesla vehicles will begin delivering themselves to customers, bypassing the need for traditional showroom pickups.
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“People should be able to fly to Austin and hail a Robotaxi by the end of June,” Musk wrote on X, formerly Twitter, highlighting the company’s next phase in automated transport and delivery.
Tesla has been testing its driverless system in Austin in recent days, according to Musk. The company has for years promoted its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software as a leading Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), though it has not yet achieved full autonomy. Unlike competitors that rely on LiDAR and radar, Tesla has pursued a vision-only approach using camera-based perception.
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The prospect of autonomous deliveries could enhance Tesla’s direct-to-consumer model, eliminating the need for customers to visit delivery centers. “Teslas will soon drive themselves to customers, eliminating the need for trips to the showroom for delivery,” Musk stated.
Tesla’s progress in driverless technology comes amid intensifying competition in the autonomous vehicle sector. While other firms have launched limited ride-hailing services in select cities, Tesla has taken a more conservative rollout strategy, focusing on data collection and gradual deployment.
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As the Robotaxi platform readies for launch, investor and public attention will be on safety outcomes and regulatory responses, which could shape broader adoption of Tesla’s autonomous services in the coming months.