Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed this week that his company has been testing its upcoming robotaxi service in San Francisco over the past few months.
Mr. Musk said Wednesday in an earnings call that Tesla employees have been testing the autonomous driving software over the past few months, using their phones to hail the robotaxis.
The robotaxis operate using Tesla’s already deployed Full Self-Driving software, a Level 2 driver assistance system that requires a human driver behind the wheel. Mr. Musk has promised that Tesla’s FSD system will become fully autonomous at some point in 2025.
Wednesday’s reveal is more evidence that Tesla is serious about robotaxis. Earlier this month, Tesla detailed its plans to launch a robotaxi fleet, connected to a ride-hailing app. The flagship vehicle in its upcoming fleet is expected to be the “Cybercab,” a futuristic electric vehicle with butterfly doors and no steering wheel.
Mr. Musk said the Cybercab would go into production in 2026 but did not explain when it would be available to customers. Still, Tesla’s robotaxi dreams could be realized much earlier than 2026 if the company can improve its FSD technology.
In the past, Tesla has expressed interest in allowing customers to rent out their vehicles while not using them. Ideally, Tesla drivers would send out their vehicles autonomously to be used as robot taxis by other customers.
Tesla currently does not have the commercial license to operate a robotaxi fleet in California or Texas.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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