Tesla Launches $4.20 Driverless Robotaxi Rides in Austin Using Model Y SUVs

Tesla has officially begun offering rides in its fully autonomous Model Y robotaxis in Austin, Texas — marking a significant step in the company’s decade-long journey toward driverless vehicle technology. The rollout, announced by Elon Musk on X (formerly Twitter), introduces a flat fare of just $4.20 per ride and features no human driver behind the wheel.

Super congratulations to the @Tesla_AI software & chip design teams on a successful @Robotaxi launch!!

Culmination of a decade of hard work.

Both the AI chip and software teams were built from scratch within Tesla.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 22, 2025

This real-world deployment is the first large-scale test of Musk’s controversial bet on a camera-only, end-to-end AI approach to autonomy — a method that sets Tesla apart from competitors like Waymo, which rely on lidar and other sensors.

On Sunday, several Tesla robotaxis were seen navigating Austin’s busy South Congress area, with passengers posting videos of the sleek self-driving cars in action. Each vehicle reportedly had a safety monitor seated in the front passenger seat to oversee operations.

First @robotaxi experiences in thread below

— Tesla (@Tesla) June 22, 2025

This move marks the debut of Tesla’s long-promised robotaxi service and could signal the future of urban mobility, starting in the heart of Texas.