Tesla is preparing to deliver its first fully driverless Model Y vehicles as early as June, CEO Elon Musk announced Thursday, marking a significant step toward the long-awaited launch of the company’s robotaxi service.
In a post on X, Musk said the pilot program is now “a month ahead of schedule” and that testing in Austin has so far reported no incidents. Originally, the company expected to begin testing autonomous vehicles by the end of June.
The billionaire CEO previously stated that the initial launch would include 10 to 20 modified Model Y vehicles, which will operate without human drivers in the Austin area.
While Musk did not confirm an exact launch date, Bloomberg News reported that Tesla plans to debut the robotaxi service on June 12 in Austin, a city rapidly emerging as a key hub for Tesla’s innovation initiatives.
Tesla has yet to issue an official statement regarding the timeline and scope of the rollout. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
The driverless Model Y units are expected to serve as the foundation for Tesla’s broader robotaxi ambitions—a project that has been years in the making. Musk has repeatedly touted autonomous driving as Tesla’s future and a critical revenue stream for the EV manufacturer.
Musk Exits Trump Administration
The robotaxi update comes amid a flurry of headlines involving Musk. On Wednesday, he announced his departure from President Donald Trump’s administration, where he had been leading a contentious campaign to restructure federal agencies and reduce government spending.
Despite his efforts, the initiative failed to deliver the long-promised savings. Musk’s association with Trump, along with his increasingly right-leaning political commentary, has drawn criticism and sparked backlash from some Tesla customers and investors.
Tesla Faces Pressure
Tesla is under mounting pressure as global sales slow, driven by increased competition in the electric vehicle market and political controversy surrounding Musk. While the company remains a dominant player in the EV space, declining demand in key markets like China and Europe has raised concerns among analysts.
Still, the push toward autonomy offers a potential lifeline. The success of Tesla’s robotaxi fleet could reinvigorate interest in the brand and open up new revenue streams through mobility-as-a-service models.
Tesla stock (NASDAQ: TSLA) has been volatile in recent weeks, reflecting investor uncertainty over the company’s short-term performance and long-term vision.
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