Tesla Inc. is set to launch its long-anticipated robotaxi service in Austin on June 12, marking a significant step in Elon Musk's vision for driverless vehicles and artificial intelligence. The date, which has not been publicly confirmed, was discussed internally and is subject to change. Musk had previously indicated that the service would start by the end of June.

Internal analysis at Tesla indicated that the company's planned robotaxi service would not be financially viable, showing potential losses. Elon Musk reportedly shut down this analysis to prevent negative implications for the company's plans. The decision raises questions about the future of Tesla's autonomous vehicle ambitions.

Tesla has received a permit to operate a ride-hailing service in Texas, allowing it to compete with Uber and Lyft. The company has been conducting a limited pilot program in Austin with a fleet of Model Y vehicles, though it has faced scrutiny over incidents involving its autonomous driving technology. Despite challenges and setbacks, Elon Musk remains optimistic about expanding Tesla's autonomous ride-hailing services across the U.S. by 2025.

Tesla has completed its first driverless delivery of a Model Y SUV to a customer in Austin, Texas, with no human inside the vehicle. However, the claim of it being the "first fully autonomous drive" is disputed, as Waymo has already been providing fully autonomous rides in other U.S. cities. The delivery highlights ongoing developments in Tesla's self-driving technology amid scrutiny and competition in the electric vehicle market.

Tesla faced a pivotal decision in February 2024 between producing a low-budget Model 2 and investing in the ambitious Robotaxi project. Ultimately, Elon Musk chose the Robotaxi, prioritizing the potential for high returns and market dominance, despite internal dissent and significant challenges from competitors. The decision reflects Musk's vision for the future of transportation and Tesla's need to maintain a high market valuation amidst declining stock prices.

Elon Musk announced that Tesla's robotaxi service is tentatively set to launch in Austin, Texas, on June 22, with the first driverless trip planned for his birthday on June 28. The initial rollout will involve 10 to 20 robotaxis using the latest Full Self-Driving technology, while safety concerns have led to planned protests by activists opposing Musk's approach to automotive safety.

Tesla's net income fell 37% in Q3 despite record vehicle sales, overshadowing its financial performance as CEO Elon Musk focused on future projects, including a significant pay package and advancements in autonomous technology. Musk expressed concerns about maintaining control over Tesla while pursuing an ambitious vision of a robot-powered future, showcasing plans for robotaxis and the Cybercab.