Tesla roboxtaxis may soon chug along roads and thoroughfares around Las Vegas, Nevada, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported, citing several developments that have led the publication to believe that a launch of Elon Musk’s fleet of self-driving taxis is imminent.
Tesla’s Robotaxis Seek Commercial Rollout in Nevada
Specifically, Tesla has applied for an autonomous vehicle network permit with the Nevada Transportation Authority, following a lot of setbacks tied to accusations that the company has gamed up the numbers on its self-driving cars by relying on human pilots to step in.
Regardless, Tesla feels confident enough to pursue a license that would allow it to launch its autonomous vehicle ride-hailing operation in the Las Vegas Valley. The NDP previously approved Tesla to begin testing of its robotaxis in September, but it has not expanded this approval to commercial operations.
The launch is contingent on a careful review by the regulator, but the company already feels confident enough in its prospects locally, not least because it’s present in Las Vegas through another project – the Vegas Loop underground tunnels system, which has also been marred in controversy.
Presently, however, Tesla Robotaxi has spent $3.1 million to create what appears to be a basis for its robotaxis fleet at 6170 Mohawk St., installing eight superchargers and six car lifts at the 37,000 sq ft industrial building.
Tesla is also on the lookout for relevant specialists and is looking to hire a fleet support specialist and a supervisor – both positions will work the graveyard shift.
Tesla Wants to Be Cautious with Robotaxi Service Rollout
Tesla’s robotaxi service, though, has been doing well in other places, including the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as Dallas, Houston and Austin, with Musk hoping to see the services expanded to a dozen states, possibly by the end of 2026.
Musk appeared cautious in the company’s April earnings call, saying that the robotaxi service was one of the company’s ventures where Tesla wanted to move slowly and ensure that its commercial launches.
In the meantime, Amazon has also reared its head up in the robotaxi race, launching a robotaxi service in September.