Driving Towards the Future: Tesla's Ambitions in Autonomous Mobility
California's Expanding Fleet: Tesla's Ride-Hailing Growth
Tesla has reportedly added a significant number of vehicles to its ride-hailing service in California since its launch in August. According to a spokesperson from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), more than 1,655 vehicles have been registered for this service. It is important to note that this figure represents registered vehicles and not necessarily the entire operational fleet, as companies are not obligated to report the number of drivers added to the service.
Regulatory Landscape and Public Concerns in the Golden State
Despite its expansion, Tesla's ride-hailing service in California currently operates without an autonomous fleet registration and with restricted public access. The company has yet to apply for a permit for driverless operations in the state, and past reports indicate that Tesla's growth in this sector has raised concerns among local officials. In comparison, Waymo, supported by Alphabet, has registered over 1,955 autonomous vehicles in California, while Amazon's Zoox has 229 registered vehicles.
Testing the Waters: Driverless Robotaxis in Austin
Meanwhile, in Austin, Texas, CEO Elon Musk has confirmed that Tesla is actively conducting driverless testing of its robotaxis. A Model Y vehicle was recently observed operating without occupants on the city's streets. Furthermore, an updated Tesla Cybercab was also sighted undergoing tests in Austin, though it remains unconfirmed whether it was under human control or fully autonomous during these instances.
Challenges and Setbacks: Power Outages and License Suspensions
The path to widespread autonomous vehicle adoption is not without its hurdles. A recent power outage in San Francisco caused by a PG&E Corp. substation issue temporarily paralyzed Waymo's robotaxi fleet, leaving several vehicles stranded. This incident highlights the dependence of autonomous services on robust infrastructure. Adding to Tesla's challenges, a court in California temporarily suspended the automaker's license to manufacture and sell vehicles in the state. This decision stemmed from concerns that Tesla's marketing of its 'Autopilot' and 'Full Self-Driving' (FSD) features was misleading the public about their current autonomous capabilities, as these vehicles still require human supervision.