Tesla Plans to Remove Safety Drivers from Austin Robotaxi by Year-End, Cost Under $20,000 per Robot

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Tesla announced on November 7th that it plans to eliminate safety operators from its Robotaxi fleet in Austin by the end of this year. Currently, Tesla’s autonomous taxis are operating in Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area, with plans to expand to Nevada, Florida, and Arizona in the near future.

In a recent statement, the company highlighted that their self-driving taxis are making significant progress toward full autonomy, with the goal of removing human safety drivers to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Each robotaxi is estimated to cost no more than $20,000 once scaled, marking a step toward more affordable autonomous vehicle services.

Earlier this year, Tesla also shared updates on its humanoid robot project. The trial production line for Tesla’s humanoid robots is now active at the Fremont factory. The company expects to have a larger-scale production line for its third-generation humanoid robots up and running by 2026. These robots are currently being tested in various scenarios within Tesla’s manufacturing facilities and offices. Once mass-produced, the robots are expected to cost around $20,000 each, equivalent to roughly 142,000 RMB at current exchange rates.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed during the company’s third-quarter earnings call in October that the design finalization for the third-generation humanoid robot, known as Optimus, has been postponed to the first quarter of next year. The robot has previously demonstrated capabilities such as martial arts, egg collection, and slow-paced popcorn delivery. Musk has also shared ambitious production targets, aiming to manufacture up to one million units annually. He emphasized that Optimus could become one of the most impactful products in Tesla’s history, citing its potential to revolutionize multiple industries.

As Tesla pushes forward with both autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots, the company continues to position itself at the forefront of futuristic technology, aiming to make its innovations more accessible and integrated into everyday life.