Tesla's robotaxi plans have the attention of federal investigators

Core Viewpoint - Federal safety investigators are scrutinizing Tesla's upcoming robotaxi service and its "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" software, particularly its performance in low-visibility conditions [1][2][4]. Group 1: Investigation Details - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking additional information from Tesla to understand how the company plans to evaluate its vehicles and driving automation technologies for public road use [2]. - NHTSA's investigation into Tesla's FSD software was initiated after four reported crashes in low-visibility situations, highlighting concerns about the software's ability to handle such conditions [4][5]. - The agency has sent Tesla a series of questions to determine if the automated driving system in the planned robotaxis is similar to the FSD Supervised product, including inquiries about fleet size and vehicle models [7]. Group 2: Robotaxi Service Plans - Tesla plans to launch a paid ride-hailing robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, using its own fleet vehicles starting in June [3]. - The company has already begun a supervised ride-hailing service for employees in Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area, completing over 1,500 trips and 15,000 miles of driving [4]. - CEO Elon Musk indicated that the robotaxis will utilize a yet-to-be-released "unsupervised" version of the Full Self-Driving software [5]. Group 3: Safety Concerns - Investigators are particularly focused on whether the FSD software can effectively detect and respond to reduced roadway visibility conditions, such as sun glare, fog, and airborne dust [5][8]. - The NHTSA has requested Tesla to describe its plans to ensure the safety of robotaxi operations in various low-visibility conditions, including rain and snow [8].