On June 22 local time, Tesla launched a pilot Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, deploying 10 Model Y vehicles. Passengers are charged a fixed fee of USD 4.2. This marks a key step in validating Tesla’s vision-based, end-to-end autonomous driving model and signals a faster pace toward Robotaxi commercialization.
However, reports indicate that Tesla’s Robotaxi vehicles may have violated traffic regulations during their debut, including speeding and improper lane changes. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated it does not pre-approve new technologies or vehicle systems and requires automakers to prove each model complies with federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Beyond Tesla, China is leading the global push to commercialize autonomous driving technologies. Several major Chinese Robotaxi companies are actively expanding into overseas markets. WeRide is partnering with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Uber to launch a commercial Robotaxi service in the city. Pony.ai is also testing and operating a Robotaxi fleet in Dubai. Meanwhile, on June 23, Chinese mobility company HelloRide announced its official entry into the Robotaxi sector.
With new entrants joining and leading companies accelerating global expansion, the Robotaxi industry is rapidly moving from technical validation to large-scale commercialization. Experts note that the Chinese Robotaxi companies going global will speed up the international deployment of domestic technologies and strengthen innovation-driven growth.