Tesla is currently testing driverless Model Y vehicles in Austin and is on track to deliver its first fully autonomous unit by June 2025, according to CEO Elon Musk. The announcement has intensified anticipation for the company’s long-awaited robotaxi launch.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Musk revealed that the tests are running “a month ahead of schedule“ and so far have involved no incidents, signalling early success in the electric vehicle (EV) maker’s ambitious autonomous driving program.
Robotaxi Launch in Austin: What We Know
Tesla’s robotaxi program, long teased by Musk, appears to be moving faster than expected. While earlier statements indicated that testing would begin by the end of June, Musk now says that testing is well underway.
“A month ahead of schedule,” Musk posted, adding that Tesla is starting with 10 to 20 Model Y vehicles in this pilot program. According to Bloomberg News, Tesla is aiming for a robotaxi launch date of June 12, 2025, in Austin, though Musk has not confirmed a specific timeline.
Driverless Technology Testing Shows Promise
So far, the Austin trials have been incident-free, a critical milestone in building public trust in Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. The company has previously faced criticism and regulatory scrutiny over safety claims around autonomous systems.
If the June delivery date is met, it would mark a breakthrough for Tesla in the competitive autonomous vehicle space, which includes players like Waymo, Cruise, and Zoox.
Tesla Sales and Public Image Under Pressure
The robotaxi rollout comes at a turbulent time for Tesla. The company has seen a decline in global sales amid rising competition from Chinese EV manufacturers and political backlash linked to Musk’s public support of right-wing views and his association with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
On Wednesday, Musk announced he was stepping away from Trump’s administration, where he had led a controversial government efficiency initiative that reportedly disrupted federal agencies but failed to deliver substantial savings.
What’s Next for Tesla’s Robotaxi Program?
Industry analysts say the driverless Model Y tests are a critical precursor to the launch of Tesla’s commercial robotaxi service, which Musk has long promoted as the future of transportation. The success of these tests in Austin could shape how quickly the service expands to other cities.
With autonomous driving technology poised to redefine mobility, Tesla’s next moves are being watched closely by investors, regulators, and the global auto industry alike.
