The cars use Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software and eight onboard cameras but have no human driver|Ivan Radic|CC BY 2.0
Tesla launched its first robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, using a fleet of driverless Model Y vehicles.
The service, available to an invite-only list, charges a flat fee of $4.20 fee, operates within a geofenced area, and features a safety monitor in the passenger seat.
CEO Elon Musk said Tesla will start with around 20 vehicles and expand based on performance.
The cars use Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software and eight onboard cameras but have no human driver.
The EV maker eventually plans to introduce the Cybercab and Robovan—both without pedals or steering wheels—by 2026.
Musk projects that robotaxis could add $5–$10 trillion to Tesla’s market value, but skeptics remain unconvinced of the technology’s financial promise.