• Tesla targets June 12 for the launch of its robotaxi service in Austin.
• The launch is key to Elon Musk’s vision for a driverless vehicle future.
• Initial rollout will start with a small number of vehicles, later scaling up.
• The service has faced years of delays but is framed as a crucial step for Tesla’s future.
• Competition in the robotaxi space includes Waymo and Amazon's Zoox.

Tesla Inc. is set to launch its long-anticipated robotaxi service in Austin on June 12, 2025, according to insider reports, marking a pivotal move for Elon Musk's strategy to transition the company toward automated driving and AI technologies. This milestone follows a series of delays and represents a critical bet for Tesla as competition heats up from other autonomous vehicle developers, including Waymo and Amazon's Zoox, which are already providing extensive rides in metropolitan areas like San Francisco and Phoenix, according to Bloomberg and Channel News Asia.

The June launch will commence with a limited “pilot” phase involving a small number of robotaxis, with plans to gradually scale to thousands over the following months. CEO Elon Musk has emphasized this initial rollout will start modestly, with “around 10 robotaxis” expected to be operational first, and expansion up to 1,000 vehicles predicted shortly thereafter, further highlighting Musk's intent to ensure a gradual approach to scaling operations while maintaining safety standards, as reported by Business Insider.

Musk's robotaxi strategy employs a fleet of Tesla vehicles operating without a driver, allowing for potential participation from Tesla owners who can integrate their cars into this service model. This innovative approach mirrors Airbnb, with car owners able to earn revenue when their vehicles are autonomously active, which Musk indicates could yield an approximate income of $30,000 a year for participants, according to Business Insider.

The timing of the launch comes amid growing scrutiny and competition, with reports indicating that Tesla's sales have faced hurdles globally. CEO Musk's shift in focus from new EV platforms to expanding the robotaxi service highlights the high stakes involved in this endeavor, which could significantly impact Tesla's valuation moving forward, as discussed in both Channel News Asia and Bloomberg.

Following the anticipated pilot in Austin, Tesla plans further expansion into other cities like San Francisco, emphasizing a cautious approach to ensure operational safety and regulatory compliance. Musk's comments reflect an intention to meticulously verify the effectiveness of the service before broader deployment, underlining Tesla's commitment to public safety in its innovative transport initiatives, according to Business Insider.