- Tesla’s Robotaxi Debut Pushed from August 8 to October 10
- Elon Musk Reveals Delay Amidst Challenging Earnings Call
- No Details Yet on Robotaxi Features or Design
Tesla has rescheduled the much-anticipated debut of its Robotaxi, moving the unveiling from August 8 to October 10. The shift was announced by CEO Elon Musk during a challenging second-quarter earnings call on Tuesday.
Originally slated for an August reveal, the delay allows engineers more time to refine the prototype, as previously reported by Bloomberg. The Robotaxi is anticipated to be a revolutionary self-driving vehicle designed specifically for ride-sharing services.
Despite the rescheduling, Musk remained tight-lipped about the Robotaxi’s specifics, including whether it will feature a steering wheel or pedals. This contrasts with General Motors’ recent decision to scrap its manual-free Cruise Origin in favor of a modified Chevrolet Bolt EV for its taxi service.
Musk had initially proposed a fleet of Tesla vehicles available for ride-sharing through the Tesla Network back in 2016. The plan promised Tesla owners the opportunity to earn revenue by renting out their cars, with Tesla taking a 25% to 30% cut of the proceeds. However, this vision hinges on Tesla’s development of a fully autonomous driving system capable of replacing human drivers.
Currently, Tesla’s Full-Self Driving system is classified as a Level 2 driver-assist system, leading to regulatory scrutiny due to its misleading name and performance issues. As Tesla works towards launching a vehicle built specifically around this technology, the company faces both technological and regulatory challenges.