Tesla plans to begin offering rides on its self-driving robotaxis to the public on June 22, starting in Austin, Texas.
CEO Elon Musk said on Tuesday that the date may change, depending on safety concerns. The company has been testing its autonomous vehicles on public streets in Austin using its latest Full Self-Driving software.
Musk has said Tesla vehicles will start driving themselves to customers’ homes directly from the factory line beginning June 28. Tesla’s initial rollout will include around 10 to 20 Model Y SUVs operating in a limited area under remote human supervision.
The company expects to expand the service to other U.S. states, including California.
Musk has described robotaxis as central to Tesla’s future, as the company shifts focus away from a cheaper electric vehicle platform. The company’s valuation and future growth depend heavily on success in autonomous vehicle development.
Musk also posted a video showing a Model Y navigating an Austin intersection without a driver, with the word “Robotaxi” written on the vehicle. The company has not shared full details about how the service will work, where it will operate, or how customers will access it.
