Tesla’s robotaxi initiative took a visible step forward as a recent video shared online captured what appeared to be a driverless Model Y navigating Austin streets, reinforcing expectations of an imminent robotaxi rollout in the Texas capital.
The video, posted on X by user @TerrapinTerpene, shows a Tesla Model Y making a smooth turn without anyone in the driver’s seat. A separate vehicle followed behind, suggesting the presence of a manned chase car — a common safety measure during autonomous vehicle tests. The Model Y was adorned with a subtle robotaxi logo on its front doors, giving a first glimpse into Tesla’s design cues for its upcoming autonomous fleet.
HOLY CRAP ITS A #ROBOTAXI!!@SawyerMerritt @WholeMarsBlog @DirtyTesLa @niccruzpatane pic.twitter.com/slfAsu0AQl
— Terrapin Terpene Col (@TerrapinTerpene) June 10, 2025
The sighting aligns with growing indications that Tesla is preparing for a public rollout of its robotaxi service in Austin. The city’s Department of Motor Vehicles recently updated its autonomous vehicle operator list to include Tesla, alongside firms such as Waymo and Zoox. The update follows earlier speculation that the company had begun initial testing in the city.
Elon Musk said in May that Tesla had started driverless testing in Austin “with no incidents,” and added that the company expected to open robotaxi rides to the public without requiring invitations by the end of June.
Tesla’s initial robotaxi deployment is expected to rely on a hybrid approach combining full self-driving with remote teleoperation capabilities to ensure safety and responsiveness.
“Based on the footage, it’s clear Tesla is progressing toward deployment,” wrote @TerrapinTerpene, who posted the clip of the driverless vehicle navigating Austin streets.