Tesla just launched its first paid robotaxi rides in Austin, with a handful of Model Y SUVs offering $4.20 trips inside a limited area. Only invited guests—mostly influencers and investors—got to try it. Each ride had no one in the driver’s seat, but there was a safety operator inside just in case. Elon Musk called it the result of a decade of work, but videos quickly surfaced showing the cars making dangerous moves like swerving into oncoming lanes and speeding. That got the attention of federal regulators, and now the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating.
Critics say Tesla is pushing ahead in a regulatory gray zone with very little oversight. The company’s stock jumped at first, but dropped back as safety concerns made headlines. Experts point out that companies like Waymo have been testing safer tech with more restrictions for years. Musk still says he wants a million robotaxis on the road by 2026, but many believe it’ll take a lot more testing—and accountability—to get there. For now, Tesla has eyes on expansion, but it’s got some serious scrutiny to deal with first.