Tesla Doubles Austin Robotaxi Area in 22 Days, Sparks Controversy

Tesla has once again found itself in the spotlight, but for reasons that have sparked controversy and amusement among its followers. The electric vehicle giant unveiled an updated geofence map for its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, which has been noted for its unusual shape. The new map, which more than doubled the service area in just 22 days, has been compared to the male anatomy by online enthusiasts. The official Tesla Robotaxi X account posted the updated map with the caption “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” further fueling the speculation. Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, added to the conversation by retweeting a post with the caption “Bigger, longer, uncut,” followed by a laughing emoji.

Musk had previously announced the expansion of the Austin geofence, hinting at a future launch in the Bay Area. The new geofence map, which was suggested as a joke by a retail investor, has divided critics and fans, with some finding the humor juvenile and others appreciating the light-hearted approach. The updated map is not only larger than Waymo’s by at least 4 square miles but also includes notable landmarks to ease navigation in congested areas.

In addition to the map update, Tesla rolled out a new version of the Robotaxi app on July 14. The app now includes walking directions for pickup and drop-off flexibility, making it easier for users to navigate ride-sharing services in large metros. The app also provides closing times for different drop-off destinations, guiding users to establishments with enough time to serve their needs. Users can now edit their pickup locations and destinations even after booking rides, adding to the convenience of the service.

Tesla has also expanded the service area to include the University of Texas, covering over 53,000 students. Musk’s playful humor, including his fixation on the number 420, is likely to attract more students to the service, which is priced at $4.20 per ride. The updated app also allows users to select their preferred cabin temperature and provides smart tips while waiting for rides, such as how to operate the Model Y door handles and understanding the light signals of driverless vehicles.

Despite the expansion of its service area, Tesla has not officially shared details about increasing its fleet. The company has previously claimed to have shortened the time to new deployments by streamlining the process. Tesla now ships new vehicles from the factory, installs the Robotaxi software, and places ready cars on public streets much faster. Waymo’s long mapping processes have yet to pose a significant challenge to Tesla’s quick expansions.

Tesla’s latest updates to its Robotaxi service have sparked a mix of reactions, from amusement to criticism. The company’s playful approach to marketing and its rapid expansion of services continue to keep it in the headlines, albeit for reasons that are not always aligned with its corporate goals. As Tesla continues to innovate and expand, it remains to be seen how these updates will impact its reputation and customer base.