Tesla says its Robotaxi app PIs now open to the public

Tesla says its Robotaxi app PIs now open to the public

Tesla has officially opened its Robotaxi app to the public, marking a significant step in the company's autonomous vehicle ambitions. The app, which allows users to hail a self-driving Tesla vehicle for rides, has been available in select areas since August 2025, but its recent expansion indicates a broader rollout. The Robotaxi app is now accessible to users in Austin, Texas, and the San Francisco Bay Area, with plans for further expansion in the near future.

The launch of the Robotaxi app follows Tesla's Master Plan Part 4, which shifted the company's focus from electric vehicles (EVs) to artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics. The plan envisions a future where robots, such as the Optimus humanoid robot, handle most tasks, leading to nearly zero labor and energy costs. While the Optimus robot remains in development, the Robotaxi app is a tangible step towards Tesla's vision of autonomous transportation.

Tesla's Robotaxi Network has been expanding its geofence, doubling the service area in Austin and introducing the app in the Bay Area. The company has also been hiring Robotaxi operators in new cities, indicating a strategic move to increase the network's coverage and user base. The app offers dynamic pricing, with fares that vary based on demand and other factors. Despite higher fares in the Bay Area compared to Austin, Tesla's Robotaxi service remains cheaper than competitors.

The public launch of the Robotaxi app coincides with a period of financial turbulence for Tesla. The company's core EV business has faced headwinds, with global deliveries falling 13% in the first half of 2025. However, the focus on AI and robotics has caught investors' attention, leading to a stock rebound following the announcement of Master Plan Part 4. The recent expansion of the Robotaxi app could further boost investor confidence in Tesla's long-term growth prospects.

The success of the Robotaxi app will be crucial for Tesla's future. If the service can attract a significant user base and generate consistent revenue, it could become a key driver of the company's growth. However, the app's success also depends on the company's ability to address technical challenges, such as improving battery life, joint durability, and autonomous control, as highlighted in its Master Plan Part 4.

References:

[1] https://carboncredits.com/tesla-shifts-from-evs-to-ai-musk-says-robots-will-be-80-of-company-value/
[2] https://www.notateslaapp.com/robotaxi/