Something big just happened in Austin, Texas. For the first time, Tesla’s long-promised robotaxis are actually picking up paying passengers. Yes, no one in the driver’s seat. And yes, Elon Musk is calling it the “culmination of a decade of hard work.”
It’s not just another beta test. This time, it’s real people, real rides, and real money—$4.20 per trip to be exact.
A Quiet Launch with Loud Implications
On Sunday, a few self-driving Teslas started roaming South Congress in Austin. They weren’t empty, though. Each had a front-seat “safety monitor” just in case, but no one touched the wheel.
The launch was small—just 10 cars—and invite-only. A select group of influencers were the first to ride and post videos, giving the world a glimpse of Tesla’s future plans.
History has been made! Tesla Robotaxi is officially live in Austin today, full self-driving, no human behind the wheel, sit back and enjoy the ride. pic.twitter.com/aN6BTclObG
— Alvin Foo (@alvinfoo) June 22, 2025
Elon’s All In
Musk isn’t being shy about it. He’s called this rollout a milestone moment. On X (formerly Twitter), he praised the software and AI chip teams that built the system from scratch.
But let’s not forget—Musk has been promising robotaxis since 2016. Now, finally, they’re here. Sort of.
Tesla is still playing it safe. The robotaxis avoid bad weather, tricky turns, and under-18 riders. This isn’t full freedom yet—but it’s a massive step.
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Texas Makes Room for the Future
Interestingly, just as Tesla rolled out its robotaxis, Texas passed a new law. Starting September 1, any company with autonomous vehicles will need a permit.
It’s a shift from Texas’s earlier “hands-off” approach. Now, companies must prove their tech meets safety standards. And if things go wrong? Permits can be pulled fast.
Experts say it’s a balanced move. Easier than California’s tight rules, but strict enough to avoid another Cruise-style disaster.
Why This Actually Matters
Tesla’s stock is riding high not just because of EVs, but because of what’s coming next—robotaxis and humanoid robots. Investors are betting big on autonomy.
Still, this industry is a slow burn. Waymo, Zoox, and others are years into testing. Even Philip Koopman, a leading expert from Carnegie Mellon, says this trial is just “the end of the beginning.”
But let’s be clear—Tesla just took a step no one else has at this scale. No lidar, no radar, just cameras. It’s risky. It’s bold. It’s very Elon.
Will Tesla robotaxis take over Austin next year? Maybe not. But this weekend proved they aren’t just sci-fi anymore.
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