Tesla's self-driving technology, which it has been waiting for for years, is finally getting a major breakthrough. On June 22, Tesla officially launched the Robotaxi service in Austin, the capital of Texas, marking a new chapter in the commercial operation of driverless cars.

Initially, the number of Robotaxis will be between 10 and 20, and they will mainly provide experience services for specific groups. It is important to note that the vehicles currently in operation are based on existing Model Y modifications, rather than the Cybercab, a two-door driverless concept car that has attracted much attention. This means that these Robotaxis still retain the steering wheel and pedals required for traditional driving, while each vehicle is also equipped with a safety officer.

The CEO of TSL revealed on social media that the fixed cost for the first batch of passengers is $4.20 per trip. However, this may just be a promotional price, and the long-term pricing standards have yet to be determined. Currently, there are Robotaxi services from the collaboration of Waymo and Uber in the Austin market, bringing some competitive pressure to TSL.

A tech blogger shared their experience riding a Robotaxi, with a 16-kilometer trip taking 22 minutes. Although there are still some limitations in this trial operation, it is undoubtedly an important step for autonomous driving technology on the path to commercialization.

With the gradual promotion of Robotaxi services, we can foresee the significant changes that may occur in future urban transportation patterns. However, before fully realizing autonomous driving, many issues such as safety and regulatory adaptability still need to be addressed. Tesla's attempt this time will provide valuable practical experience for the entire industry, promoting the further development and improvement of autonomous driving technology.