Tesla has begun discussions with regulators in Arizona to certify its driverless Robotaxi service in the state. This initiative, reported by Bloomberg News, follows the launch of Tesla’s Robotaxi pilot program in Austin, Texas, and comes as CEO Elon Musk has shared plans for further expansion into the Bay Area.
The Arizona Department of Transportation confirmed to Bloomberg that Tesla has initiated the certification process for its autonomous ride-sharing operations. Although specific details are still emerging, this outreach indicates Tesla’s commitment to broadening its driverless Robotaxi service across multiple regions in the near future.
Elon Musk recently mentioned that Tesla is also preparing to expand its service area in Austin this weekend. In a post on X, he highlighted that the San Francisco Bay Area is targeted as the next major market for the Robotaxi service, with a potential launch scheduled “in a month or two,” pending regulatory approvals.
Tesla initially launched its autonomous ride-hailing program on June 22, 2023, in Austin. The program began with a small fleet of Model Y vehicles, each accompanied by a Tesla employee in the passenger seat to ensure safety. While still classified as a test, Musk has indicated that the program will scale up to approximately 1,000 vehicles in the coming months.
Looking ahead, Tesla plans to enhance its Robotaxi fleet with the Cybercab, a two-seater designed without a steering wheel. Recent sightings of Cybercab prototypes near the Giga Texas facility suggest that Tesla may be advancing the initial trial production of this self-driving vehicle. The company has previously stated that it expects to commence volume production of the Cybercab next year.
In California, Tesla has submitted an application for a transportation charter-party carrier permit to the state’s Public Utilities Commission. The strategy for California appears to be phased, with the Robotaxi service initially offering pre-arranged rides for employees in vehicles equipped with safety drivers.
As Tesla continues to navigate the regulatory landscape in various states, the company’s ambitions for its Robotaxi service are becoming more apparent. With significant operational expansions planned, the coming months will be crucial for Tesla as it seeks to solidify its presence in the autonomous ride-sharing market.
