Tesla is delaying the unveiling of its robotaxi by a couple of months, according to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the matter. Initially slated for August 8th, the event has been pushed to October, giving engineers more time to perfect the prototype. Tesla CEO Elon Musk had previously announced the unveiling date three months ago, highlighting the robotaxi as a key development for the company.
The robotaxi is expected to feature advanced technology, including multiple cameras providing a 360-degree view, ultrasonic sensors, and a front-facing radar. Musk has envisioned a futuristic design for the vehicle, devoid of a steering wheel and pedals, promising a seamless and convenient ride-hailing experience. He has also touted the cost-effectiveness of Tesla’s robotaxi service, claiming it could be cheaper than conventional transportation options like buses and subways.
Launching an autonomous taxi service has been a long-held goal of Musk’s, dating back to 2015. He has prioritized this ambitious project over the development of a lower-priced electric car, demonstrating its significance within Tesla’s strategic roadmap. However, the robotaxi program has faced multiple delays in the past. In 2019, Musk predicted the deployment of autonomous robotaxis in 2020, a timeline that did not materialize. Two years later, he announced mass production of the vehicle for the current year, a target that is now clearly not going to be met.
Despite the delays, Tesla has offered a glimpse into the robotaxi’s ride-sharing features through its app. Screenshots reveal functionalities similar to existing ride-hailing apps, including map-based vehicle tracking, real-time updates, and pre-ride adjustments like temperature control. Ultimately, the regulatory landscape will determine the rollout of Tesla’s robotaxi service. Companies like Waymo and Cruise have faced challenges in establishing limited ride-sharing services, and Uber abandoned its autonomous service plans in 2020 following a fatal accident involving one of its cars.
