A Cautious Rollout with Safety as Priority
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk confirmed the June 22 launch date, indicating his plan to fly from Los Angeles to Austin for the kickoff. He further revealed that the first driverless trip from the Tesla factory to a customer's house is set for his birthday, June 28. However, Musk emphasized that safety remains paramount: "We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift."
Earlier on Tuesday, Musk shared an eight-second video on X showing a black Model Y SUV, emblazoned with a "Robotaxi" logo, navigating an Austin intersection and pausing for pedestrians without a human safety supervisor behind the wheel. This visual demonstration offered a glimpse into the capabilities of the latest, "unsupervised" version of Tesla's FSD technology that will be deployed in the robotaxis.
Musk recently informed CNBC that the initial rollout will be small, involving approximately 10 to 20 Model Y robotaxis. These vehicles will run on the new, unsupervised FSD software, differing from the futuristic "CyberCab" model Tesla plans for production next year. The service will be "geofenced," meaning its operation will be limited to specific, pre-defined areas within Austin, and remotely monitored by Tesla employees to ensure safety.
Public Anticipation Meets Safety Concerns and Political Opposition
The prospect of Tesla's robotaxi service has generated considerable excitement among fans and investors, who view it as a pivotal moment for the company's future and autonomous driving technology. However, the launch is also drawing attention from groups with automotive safety concerns and those who politically oppose Elon Musk's broader activities.
The Dawn Project, in collaboration with anti-Musk activists such as Tesla Takedown and Resist Austin, has announced plans for a public demonstration in downtown Austin on June 12. Their stated aim is to highlight perceived safety issues with Tesla's electric vehicles and existing driver assistance features, currently marketed as "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)."
Dan O’Dowd, CEO of Green Hills Software and The Dawn Project, has previously described The Dawn Project as a tech-safety and security education business. It's noteworthy that Green Hills Software develops products used by Tesla's competitors, including Ford and Toyota, adding another layer to the public discourse surrounding autonomous vehicle safety.
Musk's ventures extend beyond Tesla; he also leads SpaceX, a defense contractor, and xAI, an artificial intelligence company that has merged with his social network X. He is also recognized as the world's wealthiest individual and reportedly contributed significantly to President Donald Trump's presidential campaign. Furthermore, Musk recently concluded a period leading the Department of Government Efficiency, which undertook significant cuts to federal agencies and regulatory bodies, some of which oversee Tesla and his other companies.
As Austin prepares for the tentative robotaxi launch, the blend of technological innovation, high public interest, and vocal opposition ensures that Tesla's foray into driverless ride services will remain under intense scrutiny.