Tesla's autonomous robotaxi service has significantly expanded, now covering the entire Austin metro area. This marks a notable increase from its previous operations limited to South Austin. While this expansion enhances service availability, only about 20 robotaxis are currently active in the city, creating potential wait times, especially during peak hours.
In comparison, Waymo operates a fleet of 300 autonomous vehicles in the region through a partnership with Uber. Tesla's robotaxi fleet, which comprises 165 vehicles, includes Model Y crossovers, but only 34 are actively used. The company is also waiting for crucial software updates, including the anticipated Full Self-Driving version 15, expected in late 2026, which may facilitate further fleet expansion.
This latest move is seen as a confidence boost for Tesla, aiming to demonstrate the capability of its robotaxis in urban settings. However, the limited number of active vehicles suggests that the service may not yet meet high demand across the broader Austin area.