Tesla Expands Robotaxi Invitations to Accelerate Real-World Data Collection

Austin, Texas – Tesla is broadening access to its nascent Robotaxi service by dispatching a second, larger wave of invitations to members of the Tesla community across the United States. This expansion follows the initial invite-only launch in Austin on June 22, aimed at accelerating the collection of crucial real-world data for the autonomous driving system and ensuring continuous operation of the fleet.

The initial rollout saw a limited fleet of approximately 10 to 20 2025 Model Y vehicles operating in a designated area of south Austin, primarily accessible to a small group of pro-Tesla influencers. As noted by Sawyer Merritt on X, "NEWS: Tesla is sending out more Robotaxi service invites," signaling a move to scale the early access program and keep the Robotaxis actively navigating real-world scenarios, encountering edge cases, and logging miles.

Rides are currently priced at a flat fee of $4.20, and each vehicle includes a Tesla staff member serving as a safety operator in the front passenger seat, who can intervene if necessary. This cautious, invite-only approach allows Tesla to gradually increase user numbers and diversify ride requests without overwhelming the relatively small initial fleet. Future phases are expected to open access to Tesla owners within Austin before potentially becoming available to the wider public.

However, the service has faced notable scrutiny following reports and viral videos of incidents where Robotaxis appeared to violate traffic laws or behave erratically, including driving on the wrong side of the road or sudden braking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has acknowledged these incidents and is in contact with Tesla to gather additional information. Austin city officials have also expressed concerns, with Council Member Vanessa Fuentes stating, “They have proven that the technology they have is unsafe for Austinites.”

The expansion occurs as Texas prepares to implement a new law on September 1, 2025, requiring autonomous vehicle operators to obtain a state permit and certify vehicle safety. A group of Texas lawmakers had previously urged Tesla to delay its launch until this new regulation took effect. Tesla's unique camera-only approach to autonomous driving, which eschews lidar and radar used by competitors like Waymo and Zoox, continues to be a point of industry debate regarding its efficacy and safety. Despite these challenges, the company views this methodical expansion as a sign of confidence in its progress toward full autonomy.