Tesla is preparing to launch its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin as soon as Thursday, June 12, according to a person familiar with the matter, reports Bloomberg.
The internal date—previously unreported—marks a key step in CEO Elon Musk’s ambition to shift Tesla’s focus toward autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence. However, the launch date could still change, the person cautioned, as discussions remain private.
The company recently conducted its first public road test in Austin with no one in the driver’s seat, the source said. A Tesla engineer sat in the passenger seat of a Model Y, which operated without remote control, navigating the streets on its own.
Tesla has been running internal trials using safety drivers and transporting employees in preparation for the public rollout. Musk has said the robotaxi fleet will initially use existing models like the Model Y, before transitioning to a custom-built autonomous vehicle called Cybercab — which has no steering wheel or pedals.
The Cybercab was shown off in California last year during a demo event on private property. Tesla is currently not listed as a rideshare operator by Texas regulators, but the state does not restrict autonomous vehicle testing, and Austin has formed a task force to liaise with companies like Tesla and Waymo.
Musk recently said Tesla will start with about 10 robotaxis in Austin, with plans to scale to 1,000 vehicles in the months following launch. Tesla shares rose 2.1% in after-hours trading following the news.
