Key Takeaways
1. Tesla’s Robotaxi platform will have a specialized hailing app showing all ride charges in US dollars, including airport fees and cleaning costs.
2. The launch event for the Robotaxi service is scheduled for June 22 in Austin, with media and influencers invited.
3. Early Access testing is currently invite-only, with Model Y robotaxis operating from 6 AM to midnight and no airport trips allowed initially.
4. Safety features include a “Tesla Safety Monitor” and the ability to suspend service during bad weather, along with privacy measures for cabin cameras and microphones.
5. The Robotaxi service is being rolled out as an invitation-only experience, with selected users able to download the app on iOS and Android.
Tesla’s Robotaxi ride-share platform is set to feature a specialized hailing app that will detail all charges in US dollars, including fees for airports and possible vehicle cleaning.
Launch Event in Austin
Tesla has begun reaching out to various media figures and influencers in the automotive field, inviting them to the grand unveiling of the Robotaxi platform in Austin on Sunday, June 22.
Early Access Testing
Currently, the Early Access testing phase is exclusive to invitees. The Model Y robotaxis will operate in a specific area from 6 AM to midnight. Initially, those invited won’t be able to use the service to go to the airport, even though Tesla states that “charges for rides are clearly shown in the Robotaxi app in U.S. dollars, and may include applicable tolls, airport fees, regulatory charges, and similar costs in connection with the ride.”
Safety and Privacy Features
Tesla seems to be taking thorough measures to ensure the safety and privacy of its newly launched Robotaxi ride-share service. For instance, it will include a “Tesla Safety Monitor,” which is an employee equipped with a brake pedal and emergency stop buttons, similar to those seen in the leaked Model Y robotaxi interface.
The electric vehicle manufacturer also has the ability to suspend the Robotaxi service during bad weather. They assure users that the cabin camera will be disabled throughout the ride, unless passengers request help from the platform’s service center. However, the cabin microphones will remain active to detect sirens when the Model Y needs to yield to emergency vehicles. Still, these microphones won’t send any sound to Tesla unless the user engages with support or calls 911.
Invitation-Only Experience
These measures for safety and privacy could be why Tesla is rolling out the Robotaxi service as an invite-only experience, similar to the automotive influencers who participated in the Cybertruck launch events. Tesla welcomes their feedback at all times and clarifies that, for now, they are the only ones able to download the Robotaxi app on both iOS and Android platforms.
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