Following initial tests on December 14, fresh sightings confirm Tesla's robotaxis operating without safety drivers in Austin, Texas. Full Self-Driving head Ashok Elluswamy verified the reports on social media, supporting CEO Elon Musk's push for unsupervised services in 2025.
This week, witnesses reported empty Tesla vehicles navigating Austin streets without human occupants or safety drivers, as covered by Forbes—building on the December 14 debut confirmed by Elon Musk, which featured two Model Y units in local neighborhoods.
Ashok Elluswamy acknowledged the sightings on X, sparking enthusiasm among followers who hailed it as a sign of imminent robotaxi reality. This follows Musk's unmet June 2025 launch goal and recent reaffirmations at a shareholder meeting for full autonomy next year.
Operational details are limited: vehicles may involve remote supervision, given Tesla's recruitment for remote software developers and command center setups with control stations. While robotaxis could slash costs, emissions, and car ownership, safety and transparency remain key concerns.
Progress comes as Tesla faces headwinds, with analysts predicting a 7% drop in global deliveries amid rising EV competition.
