Tesla has begun updating its mobile app to include references to its upcoming robotaxi service, indicating a planned launch in California by 2025. The app’s code reveals preparations for an autonomous ride-hailing service that will operate without human drivers, utilizing Tesla’s advanced AI and Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. The discovery suggests Tesla is moving forward with Elon Musk’s vision of a fully autonomous taxi fleet, despite regulatory hurdles and skepticism from industry experts. The robotaxi service is expected to leverage Tesla’s neural networks and AI algorithms to navigate complex urban environments, with vehicles capable of operating 24/7 without human intervention. Tesla’s approach differs from competitors by relying primarily on vision-based AI systems rather than expensive LiDAR technology. The company claims its AI-powered autonomous system has accumulated billions of miles of real-world driving data, which has been crucial in training its neural networks. While the 2025 California launch timeline appears ambitious, Tesla has been actively working with regulators to obtain necessary permits and demonstrate the safety of its AI-driven autonomous technology. The success of this initiative could revolutionize urban transportation and potentially generate significant revenue for Tesla, with Musk previously suggesting that robotaxis could earn vehicle owners up to $30,000 annually through the ride-hailing network.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-updates-robotaxi-app-users-about-california-launch-2025-7