Tesla's June 22 Robotaxi Launch: Starting with 20 Model Ys

- Robotaxi service launching June 22 in Austin with 10 to 20 Model Ys. - Initial program includes safety monitors and geofencing, proceeding despite lawmaker calls for delay. On June 20, 2025, CBS MoneyWatch reported that Tesla plans to launch its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, on June 22. Quartz also reported on June 20 that the service is scheduled to begin on June 22, and Carscoops provided similar launch details on the same day. This initial "early access" program will operate from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM and will not include airport rides. Each vehicle will feature a "Tesla Safety Monitor" in the front passenger seat, and a teleoperations team will remotely supervise the fleet. Passengers will use a dedicated "Robotaxi app" instead of the main Tesla app. The service, set to launch on June 22, will utilize a small fleet of Model Y vehicles operating within a designated geofenced area. This initial phase will feature between 10 and 20 cars, primarily focusing on testing and gathering feedback from a select group of invitees. Consequently, the pilot program represents a significant step in Tesla's vision for autonomous vehicle services. Significantly, Tesla also plans a first driverless trip on June 28, which will go from the factory end of line to a customer’s house, marking a crucial demonstration of its autonomous driving capabilities. Meanwhile, local lawmakers have urged Tesla to delay the robotaxi launch until the company can comply with a new state law effective September 1. However, Tesla appears to be proceeding with its plans. According to CoinMarketCap on June 20, Tesla (TSLA) was trading at $803.14 as of 12:00 UTC, and its 24-hour trading volume had increased by 1.7%.