Core Viewpoint - Tesla has officially launched its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, marking a significant milestone in its autonomous driving ambitions after nearly a decade of promises from CEO Elon Musk [3][13]. Group 1: Launch of Robotaxi Service - The Robotaxi service was announced to operate at a fare of $4.2 per ride, with the first phase involving only 10 vehicles [3][11]. - The initial rollout is cautious, with plans to gradually increase the number of vehicles based on safety assessments [12][16]. - The vehicles used for this service are standard Model Y cars equipped with Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, not the previously announced Cybercab [19][28]. Group 2: Historical Context and Challenges - Musk has been promoting the concept of Tesla vehicles as part of a shared fleet since 2016, with earlier projections suggesting significant income potential for vehicle owners [8][10]. - Despite the long-term vision, the actual deployment faced numerous delays due to technical and regulatory hurdles [10][15]. - The launch comes amid declining sales in Tesla's core electric vehicle business, attributed to increased competition and brand image issues linked to Musk's political affiliations [15][16]. Group 3: Safety Measures and Operational Limitations - During the trial, a Tesla employee will be present in the front passenger seat to take control if necessary, highlighting a dual-layer safety approach with remote monitoring [19][21]. - The service is limited to invited users, and operations will be paused in adverse weather conditions [22][19]. - The cautious approach reflects lessons learned from other companies in the autonomous driving space, particularly the serious incident involving Cruise that led to its exit from the market [23][24]. Group 4: Technical and Regulatory Landscape - Tesla's FSD technology relies on a vision-based system without lidar, which has raised safety concerns among industry experts [26][28]. - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating Tesla's FSD safety, particularly regarding its performance in low visibility conditions [28][29]. - Musk's political connections may influence regulatory scrutiny, as he has maintained strong ties with the Republican party, which could affect Tesla's operational environment in Texas [30][29].