Tesla has officially begun testing its new driverless taxi, and it’s already creating a buzz.
Over the weekend, a group of invited guests, including car experts and influencers, got a chance to experience the future of transport firsthand in Austin, Texas. Videos of the test rides have since appeared online, showing the world what Tesla has been working on.
Here are five important things to know about this new innovation:
1. The first test rides happened in Austin, Texas
Tesla chose Austin for its first real-world demonstration of the driverless taxi. A group of selected people, including industry experts and social media personalities, were invited to ride in the car and share their experiences. The event gave many a first look at what could become a common way to travel in the near future.
2. The car has no steering wheel or pedals
Unlike traditional cars, this Tesla taxi has no steering wheel or foot pedals. Instead, the inside of the car looks more like a mini lounge, with comfortable seats and an open, futuristic layout. It’s designed to give passengers a relaxed and spacious environment.
3. It drives itself using Tesla’s full self-driving technology
The taxi uses Tesla’s advanced self-driving system, which relies on cameras, sensors, and powerful software. This technology allows the car to detect roads, follow traffic rules, and transport passengers safely—without any human driver behind the wheel.
4. The taxi is electric, quiet, and eco-friendly
Tesla’s robotaxi runs fully on electricity, so it doesn’t release harmful gases into the air. It’s also much quieter than fuel-powered cars, offering a smoother and more peaceful ride. Tesla hopes this will help reduce both air and noise pollution in crowded cities.
5. It features a large touch screen, voice control, and may cost less than a regular Uber
Inside, passengers can use a large screen to track their journey and control things like music or climate settings. There’s also voice control, so you can simply speak to the system to change your destination or get help.
As for cost, while official pricing hasn’t been announced, Elon Musk has hinted that a ride in the Tesla robo taxi could be cheaper than using a traditional ride-hailing service like Uber. Some reports suggest it could cost as little as $0.25 per mile, making it one of the most affordable ways to get around once fully launched.
