Latest news with #Tesla-operated
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla Model Y robotaxis hit Austin streets for testing as Musk sets 'tentative' launch date
Tesla's self-driving Cybercab has hit the streets of Austin, kicking off the company's initial robotaxi rollout — one of the first real-world deployments of CEO Elon Musk's long-promised autonomous vehicle service as launch day nears. The business tech mogul unveiled the model last October at the electric car manufacturer's "We, Robot" event, shortly after he announced the plans to launch the Tesla-operated ride-sharing service. 'Beautifully simple design,' Musk wrote on X in response to a video showing the testing. In preparation for the launch, residents in one southeast Austin neighborhood say Tesla Model Ys — with drivers behind the wheel — have been circling their blocks repeatedly, Forbes reported. The repeated test runs have created what some describe as a parade of Teslas winding through the area, drawing attention as the robotaxi rollout ramps up. Here's what to know about the launch timeline, expected pricing, and where the robotaxis might appear first. The two-door models showcased have no steering wheels, gas pedals or brake pedals. Musk asserted during the October unveiling that these fully autonomous vehicles would be "10 times safer than a human," adding that they could reduce the need for parking and save personal time. Since 2016, Musk has been promising Tesla investors, customers and fans that the company is about a year away from delivering a self-driving car that's capable of transporting passengers safely without human interventions, or a human at the steering wheel. The Tesla CEO first teased the Cybercab in 2019, but has yet to reach the public officially. The self-driving taxi rides will finally make their debut in Austin by the end of the month. Musk says the official launch date is tentatively planned for June 22, according to the Wall Street Journal. The vehicle is also slated for production in 2026, and each vehicle will cost $30,000 or less. While the cost of each ride is not yet clear, it's likely to be between 40 and 80 cents per mile, according to This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Tesla robotaxis hit Austin streets as Musk sets 'tentative' launch date
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Elon Musk's Cybercab robotaxi is headed to Austin. How much will the self-driving car cost
Tesla's self-driving Cybercab robotaxi is headed to Austin as part of the company's initial robotaxi rollout, marking one of the first real-world deployments of CEO Elon Musk's long-promised autonomous vehicle service. The business tech mogul unveiled the model last October at the electric car manufacturer's "We, Robot" event, shortly after he announced the plans to launch the Tesla-operated ride-sharing service. Here's what to know about the launch timeline, expected pricing, and where the robotaxis might appear first. The two-door models showcased have no steering wheels, gas pedals, or brake pedals. Musk asserted during the October unveiling that these fully autonomous vehicles would be "10 times safer than a human," adding that they could reduce the need for parking and save personal time. Since 2016, Musk has been promising Tesla investors, customers and fans that the company is about a year away from delivering a self-driving car that's capable of transporting passengers safely without human interventions, or a human at the steering wheel. The Tesla CEO first teased the Cybercab in 2019, but has yet to reach the public officially. The self-driving taxi rides will finally make their debut in Austin by the end of next month, Musk said in an interview with CNBC's David Faber on Tuesday at the company's headquarters. 'It's prudent for us to start with a small number, confirm that things are going well and then scale it up,' Musk told Faber. The vehicle is also slated for production in 2026, and each vehicle will cost $30,000 or less. While it's not clear how much each ride will cost, it's likely going to be somewhere between 40 and 80 cents per mile, according to This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Musk's robotaxi coming to Austin. When you can request a Cybercab?
USA Today
30-01-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Tesla announces a ride-hailing service just weeks before Waymo launches with Uber
Tesla announces a ride-hailing service just weeks before Waymo launches with Uber Soon, when Austinites pull up to a light between a Waymo and Tesla they might be the only person in a car. That's because Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced plans to bring a paid ride-hailing service, powered by Tesla's recently announced robotaxis, to Austin. With a much-anticipated Waymo and Uber collaboration bringing autonomous rides to Austin this year, the announcement seems a clear indication that the most valuable car brand in the world wants to put progress in fifth gear and catch up its competitors. The move is also yet another lofty promise that Musk has made surrounding autonomous cars, many of which he has faltered or gone back on. While the announcement during Tesla's fourth quarter earnings call seemed innocuous, its rollout could have heavy implications for the future of Tesla, as many investors have been hanging hope on the brand's promises of innovation. Musk himself said 2025 will be 'maybe the most important year in Tesla's history.' As Austin continues to emerge as a favorite playground for autonomous vehicles, here's everything you need to know about hometown Tesla's attempt at a self-driving ride service. When and is Tesla bringing autonomous rides to Austin? The announcement from Musk on a Tesla earnings call was more conceptual than it was detail oriented. However, two key pieces of information the CEO did mention were that the service is scheduled to meet Austin roads in June and that there will be no drivers in the cars. The rides are also said to be backed by Tesla's yet-to-be-released 'unsupervised' version of its Full Self-Driving software. Musk also clarified that Tesla owners will not yet be able to add their cars to the ride-hailing service, an idea he previously pushed during the brand's announcement of the Robotaxi. It is also worth noting that Musk's recent political and personal bond with President Donald Trump is a regulatory game changer for Tesla. As it seeks to catch up to brands like Waymo, it's possible Tesla may seek to leverage its relationship with Trump to enable a faster test-to-launch process. Moreover, Musk has been adamant about slashing EV incentives, something that Trump has echoed. This would effectively stunt the growth of Tesla's competitors and leaving only Chinese brands like BYD as potential rivals. Tesla did not respond to a request for comment on Musk's plans. Tesla has high hopes for Robotaxi Tesla first announced its plans to create the self-driving Robotaxi in 2019, but its launch has been delayed. The Robotaxi is expected to be sold as a two-door electric car with no steering wheel, accelerator pedal or brake pedal. At Tesla's latest product event, Musk claimed these fully autonomous vehicles would be "10 times safer than a human." Musk also detailed plans for a Tesla-operated autonomous ride service, utilizing customers' Tesla vehicles when they're not in use. At the Tesla event, Musk said he expects to roll out self-driving capabilities in Texas and California sometime this year. Production of the Robotaxi is set to ramp up in 2026. This should coincide with Tesla's launching of a ride-hailing app that will complement the Robotaxi. Early prices for the self-driving car seem to be in the $30,000 range. This would be notable, as Tesla has been seeking to produce a more affordable vehicle for years. In addition to the Robotaxi, since 2015, Tesla has offered a self-driving feature for customers who already own a Tesla. Waymo in pole position as self-driving car race heats up Waymo has been testing robotic rides in Austin for years, and last September, announced it was bringing a self-driving, ride-hailing service to the streets of Austin — the first brand to do so. The service, called the Waymo One experience, is already running in three U.S. cities and is set to expand next into Austin and Atlanta — both cities where Waymo has been testing self-driving cars. The feature will be available only on the Uber app and is set to be offered beginning in early 2025. When driverless rides do begin, they will be provided by a fleet of Waymo's fully autonomous, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles. Both companies plan to expand this fleet to hundreds of vehicles over time. Beck Andrew Salgado covers trending topics in the Austin business ecosystem for the American-Statesman. To share additional tips or insights with Salgado, email Bsalgado@
