Tesla Inc. has set June 22, 2025, as the proposed start date for its robotaxi network, according to a post by CEO Elon Musk on the social media platform X.

Musk indicated that this date may change due to safety concerns.

Musk also announced plans to deliver a vehicle from Tesla’s factory to a customer’s home on June 28, coinciding with his birthday.

The company is testing self-driving Model Y SUVs for the robotaxi service. Vehicles have been observed in Austin, Texas, including one operating without a driver in a video shared by Musk and Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s Autopilot lead.

Previous reports suggested that Tesla aimed to launch the service on June 12.

During the testing phase, Model Ys with manufacturer plates and drivers onboard have been seen navigating various areas of Austin.

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🔗 Source: Bloomberg

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Evolving regulatory landscape creates opportunity for Tesla’s robotaxi launch

Tesla’s robotaxi announcement comes amid significant regulatory changes designed to accelerate autonomous vehicle deployment in the United States.

The NHTSA’s new Automated Vehicle Framework, announced on April 24, 2025, eases reporting obligations for manufacturers regarding ADS crashes and expands exemptions for testing vehicles on public roads1.

These regulatory changes, effective June 16, 2025, just days before Tesla’s planned launch, create a more favorable environment for autonomous vehicle testing and deployment in the U.S.2.

The updated framework specifically allows domestic vehicles to operate on public roads for research without fully complying with all safety standards, potentially giving Tesla an advantage in launching its robotaxi service1.

Tesla’s emphasis on being “super paranoid about safety” aligns with ongoing regulatory concerns, as over 80 state-level legislations targeting AV safety are either enacted or in progress across the country3.

2️⃣ Global robotaxi market heats up with intense U.S.-China competition

Tesla’s robotaxi launch enters an increasingly competitive global market projected to reach $40 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of over 60% from 20254.

In China, Baidu’s Apollo Go has already completed over 11 million robotaxi rides, surpassing Waymo’s 10 million in the U.S., demonstrating how quickly the market is developing internationally5.

The cost advantage could be crucial for Tesla’s success, as industry analysts note robotaxi services are expected to become 40-60% cheaper than traditional ride-hailing by 2030, with costs dropping to $0.30–$0.50 per mile4.

Tesla’s unique approach of leveraging customer-owned vehicles for its robotaxi network, allowing owners to earn income when not using their cars, represents a fundamentally different business model than competitors who must purchase and maintain dedicated fleets6.

Market projections suggest an estimated 2.5 million robotaxis will operate worldwide by 2030, with the U.S. expected to deploy over 500,000 vehicles by that time4.

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