The Voice News | AUSTIN, TEXAS — Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on Tuesday that the company is on track to launch its long-anticipated robotaxi pilot program in Austin, Texas, by the end of June 2025, marking a major milestone in the company’s self-driving technology ambitions.
The initial trial will involve approximately 10 fully autonomous vehicles, which will operate in designated areas of Austin. According to Musk, Tesla plans to scale the fleet up to around 1,000 robotaxis within a few months, depending on performance, regulatory approval, and public response.
“This will be the first real-world deployment of Tesla’s full self-driving technology at scale,” Musk said during an interview with CNBC. “We're very confident in the system's capabilities, and Austin is the perfect environment to kick off this future.”Regulatory Scrutiny and Safety Concerns
While Tesla is forging ahead with its robotaxi launch, the move comes amid ongoing scrutiny from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The regulator has raised safety concerns regarding Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software following several high-profile accidents involving the system.
Tesla has insisted that its FSD software—currently in beta testing for select users—has undergone extensive safety validation and is designed to operate without human intervention in urban environments. However, critics argue that the software still requires further testing before it can be safely deployed at scale.
Licensing Talks with Other Automakers
In a related development, Musk revealed that Tesla is in discussions to license its FSD technology to other major automakers, which could significantly expand Tesla’s influence in the autonomous vehicle sector.
“We’re open to partnerships,” Musk said. “Several large automakers are interested in licensing our FSD software. We believe autonomy should not be exclusive to Tesla customers.”This marks a strategic shift for Tesla, which has historically kept its software ecosystem proprietary. If finalized, such licensing deals could not only bring in new revenue streams but also accelerate the global rollout of autonomous driving technologies.
xAI Expansion and Potential Merger
Musk also touched on the progress of xAI, his artificial intelligence company, which is reportedly ramping up data center capacity with Nvidia chips in Memphis, Tennessee, to support FSD and other AI-related projects. He acknowledged that a merger between Tesla and xAI is not off the table, but emphasized that any such move would require shareholder approval.
“There’s a lot of synergy between Tesla and xAI,” Musk said. “If it makes sense for both companies and our shareholders, a merger could be considered.”Looking Ahead: Robotaxi Showcase in August
Tesla plans to unveil its production-ready robotaxi vehicle design during a dedicated showcase event on August 8, 2025. Musk has teased that the robotaxi will feature no steering wheel or pedals, a fully integrated AI driving system, and a reimagined passenger cabin focused on comfort and convenience.
Analysts see this as a critical moment for Tesla, as it competes with other autonomous driving developers such as Waymo (Alphabet), Cruise (GM), and Apple’s secretive Project Titan. A successful rollout could cement Tesla’s dominance in the self-driving car industry.
Tesla’s robotaxi initiative represents a bold leap toward a driverless future, but its success will hinge on regulatory approval, technological reliability, and public trust. As Tesla gears up for its pilot in Austin, the industry and consumers alike are watching closely to see if the company can deliver on what Musk calls “the most transformative transportation technology since the automobile itself.”