Texas is rapidly solidifying its reputation as a hub for autonomous vehicle (AV) innovation, with Tesla preparing to roll out a fully self-driving taxi program in Austin this summer.
During a recent earnings call, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the company would launch an “unsupervised full self-driving” service in June, featuring a fleet of autonomous Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Unlike traditional ride-hailing services, these cars will operate with no driver inside.
“We feel confident in being able to do an initial launch of unsupervised, no one in the car, full self-driving in Austin in June,” Musk stated. He noted that Tesla has already been testing this technology at its Fremont, California, factory and will soon expand operations to Texas.
What About the Cybercab?
While Tesla is also developing a dedicated robotaxi called the “Cybercab,” that vehicle won’t be part of the initial rollout. The Cybercab, which Musk first introduced in October 2024, is designed without a steering wheel or pedals and is expected to enter production in 2026.
Austin: A Hotspot for Autonomous Vehicles
Tesla’s move comes as Austin cements itself as a key location for AV testing and deployment. Companies like Waymo, Volkswagen, Zoox, and Cruise have all launched pilot programs in Texas, drawn by the state’s open regulatory environment and growing tech infrastructure.
The legal foundation for AVs in Texas was set in 2017 with the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 2205, which made autonomous vehicles legal statewide. The law requires driverless cars to comply with state traffic laws, be equipped with a recording device, meet federal safety standards, and carry appropriate insurance. It also designates the vehicle’s owner as its operator, even when no one is inside.
A Glimpse Into the Future
Musk expressed confidence in Tesla’s self-driving capabilities, pointing to the company’s ongoing testing at its factories. “These Teslas will be in the wild with no one in them in June in Austin. This is not some far-off mythical situation—it’s just five months away,” he said.
