US Regulators Probe Tesla’s Robotaxi Rollout Amid Erratic Driving Concerns
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated contact with Tesla following the public debut of its highly anticipated robotaxis in Austin, Texas. Social media footage has surfaced, appearing to show the driverless vehicles exhibiting erratic behaviour and potentially violating traffic laws, prompting regulatory scrutiny into the safety of the new technology.
Initial Robotaxi Launch and Public Reaction
Tesla’s long-awaited robotaxis, which CEO Elon Musk has touted as crucial to the company’s future, made their first public appearance on Sunday in Austin. The launch was a low-key affair, with a select group of analysts, influencers, and shareholders participating in paid rides. Despite Musk’s congratulatory remarks to his AI and chip design teams, videos shared online quickly highlighted apparent issues.
- One video reportedly showed a robotaxi abruptly stopping near a parked police car.
- Tech news outlet TechCrunch reported instances of cars speeding and swerving into incorrect lanes.
Regulatory Response and Tesla’s Technology
The NHTSA confirmed it is "aware of the referenced incidents and is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information." This comes as questions continue to be raised about the safety of autonomous vehicles, particularly Tesla’s approach.
Unlike many rivals, Tesla’s robotaxis rely solely on in-car cameras, eschewing the radar and sensor technology used by market leaders like Waymo (Alphabet) and Zoox (Amazon). Tesla’s strategy is predicated on this camera-only system being more cost-effective and thus more appealing to consumers in the long run. However, the NHTSA has previously stated it does not pre-approve new technologies, instead relying on manufacturers to certify their vehicles meet safety standards and investigating potential defects as they arise.
Key Takeaways
- The NHTSA is investigating reports of erratic driving by Tesla’s new robotaxis.
- Footage suggests the vehicles, despite having safety drivers, struggled with real-world scenarios.
- Tesla’s robotaxi rollout is currently limited to 12 vehicles and has restrictions on operation (e.g., no bad weather, no difficult intersections, no passengers under 18).
- Tesla’s camera-only autonomous driving technology differs from competitors that use radar and sensors.
- The small-scale launch indicates Tesla has significant ground to cover to catch up with established robotaxi services from Waymo and Zoox in other US cities.
The Road Ahead for Tesla’s Robotaxis
The current rollout is modest, involving only 12 taxis, and comes with several operational limitations. Tesla has stated the vehicles will not operate in adverse weather, attempt complex intersections, or transport passengers under 18. Analysts have noted that this limited deployment underscores the significant progress Tesla still needs to make to compete with established players in the autonomous vehicle market. Companies like Waymo and Zoox already offer self-driving taxi services in multiple US cities, and fully driverless cars have accumulated millions of miles globally. The ongoing investigation by the NHTSA will be crucial in determining the immediate future and broader acceptance of Tesla’s robotaxi ambitions.
