Tesla’s robotaxi start in Austin causes a stir – but not only in a positive sense. In the first few days, users document numerous driving errors – and that of all things in a project that should become a turning point for Tesla.
• Teslas robotaxis sometimes show dangerous driving errors after a few days
• Experts criticize the camera -based system as immature
• Determine authorities, the business model is under pressure
Bumpy start in Austin
On June 22, 2025, Tesla started his long -awaited Robotaxi service in Austin – but initially only with a small fleet of around 10 to 20 vehicles. Access was limited to a selected group of users, including influencers and investors who were allowed to test the service as part of a so-called “early access” program. According to the Business Insider, the vehicles operate in a closely stuck urban area, which only includes a few quarters. Initial reports on social networks such as Reddit and X show a mixed picture: Some users praise the new technology, while others documented significant problems in the first few days.
Striking driving errors – and sometimes dangerous situations
Shortly after the start, numerous driving errors of the Tesla robot taxis became known. For example, users documented on the oncoming lane for several seconds – an incident that was taken up by NTV, among other things. There were also several braking maneuvers for no apparent reason, the so -called “Phantom Braking”, which, according to The Verge, is due to weaknesses in the camera -based recognition system. Other videos show how passengers were discontinued in the middle of busy intersections or on multi -lane roads – a behavior that surprised even experienced traffic experts. In addition, there were confusion of lanes, the run over curb and unsafe behavior when approaching to backward vehicles, as Reuters reports.
Technical weaknesses and expert criticism
A central criticism of many experts concerns the technical basis of the Tesla robot taxis. In contrast to other providers, Tesla completely dispenses with lidar or radar sensors and only relies on cameras – an approach that NTV describes as particularly prone to errors. The automotive economist Frank Schwope was clear to the broadcaster: in his view, the system was not mature. The US expert Philip Koopman from Carnegie Mellon University was also surprised by the large number of documented driving errors on the first day, as Reuters reported. He also warns of a massive loss of trust should an accident – with potentially serious consequences for Tesla’s entire business model in the field of autonomous driving.
Authorities and public react
The documented incidents are now also calling up the supervisory authorities. According to Reuters, the US transport security authority NHTSA has already contacted Tesla in order to obtain information about the driving errors published on social media. The city of Austin also shows itself alerted: You are informed about the known problems and are in direct exchange with Tesla and the local police.
Robotaxi as a hopeful – and risk at the same time
In view of falling sales figures and the loss of market shares, Tesla puts great hopes for the robotaxi project. The autonomous driving service should bring the turn – but the unsuccessful start is already throwing shadows on this strategy. After initial euphoria on the financial markets, in which the stock market value temporarily increased, the course collapsed after the numerous driving errors became known. In addition, internal upheavals – including the discharge of a rank -high sales manager – increase the pressure on the company. Experts like Stefan Bratzel see Tesla clearly when driving autonomous: compared to the competition, such as Waymo, the deficit is now two to three years old, as the expert explains in a contribution to LinkedIn.
Editor finance.net
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