Tesla will launch its autonomous taxi-hailing service, Robotaxi, in Austin on June 22, CEO Elon Musk confirmed. Its launch will represent an important move as Tesla enters the field of self-driving transportation.

Highlights:

• The Robotaxi service began operations in Austin on June 22.
• Vehicles will operate without human drivers, utilizing Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology.
• Initial access will be limited to Tesla owners.
• Pricing will be competitive with existing ride-hailing services.
• Expansion to additional U.S. cities is planned for 2025.

Robotaxi fleet will include the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y cars with the FSD capability modified. The Tesla app will be used to book a ride, and the price is likely to be less than the conventional ride-hailing services. The service will prove the concept of autonomous ride-sharing viability.

Tesla has also put in place various layers of safety fail-safes such as remote monitoring and intervention systems. It has already obtained regulatory permission in Texas where it has launched using favorable policies. A wider accessibility to the people will come after the first phase.

Tesla will roll out the RoboTaxi service to other large American markets pending the success of the Austin launch. This is part of the long-term mobility strategy of the company, which expects to roll out a mass autonomous fleet in the future.