Week 20/25 Tesla Update: Autopilot Testing in Paris, Board's Musk Bonus Review, and Potential Remote-Controlled Robot Taxis?
In a significant development, Tesla's CEO Elon Musk recently met with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, showcasing an Optimus robot performing a Trump dance during a state visit. However, the focus remains on Tesla's ambitious plans for robotaxis, particularly in Europe [1].
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology in Europe is currently awaiting critical regulatory approval, primarily from Dutch authorities and the broader European Union. This regulatory process has been a significant bottleneck, delaying the public launch despite Tesla demonstrating smooth FSD operation in various European cities [1][2][3].
The European regulatory environment remains cautious, with ongoing meetings and reviews for regulations such as Automated Lane Keeping Systems (Regulation 157). Some countries, including the UK and Spain, are still analyzing data before approving Tesla's system. Tesla and Elon Musk have encouraged Tesla owners to lobby their elected representatives to expedite the approval process [1][3].
Regarding the planned launch for real robotaxi rides in Europe, the timeline remains uncertain and is closely tied to these regulatory approvals. Tesla had aimed for a September 2025 introduction of FSD Supervised in Germany and broader Europe but now anticipates that a year-end 2025 launch is more realistic due to the continuing reviews and safety standards requirements [2][4].
Tesla's robotaxi vision in Europe is thus in a holding pattern dependent on overcoming regulatory hurdles, with a realistic expectation for initial supervised FSD rollouts by the end of 2025 and autonomous robotaxi rides to follow once approvals and safety validations are secured [1][2][3][4].
Meanwhile, in the United States, Tesla plans to start real robotaxi rides in Austin, Texas in June. Initially, only 10 to 20 Model Y cars will be deployed for the service, which will not be offered publicly at first but by invitation only [5]. Tesla plans to have close monitoring and possibly remote control of these Model Y vehicles declared as Robotaxis [5].
Interestingly, Tesla is considering using human safety drivers in a control center for its planned robotaxi service in Austin, rather than in the driver's seat [6]. This approach differs from Tesla's current offering of FSD Taxis with a safety driver at the wheel, which has been available since this spring but is limited to Tesla's own employees in Austin and California [6].
In other news, Tesla's board has welcomed a new member, John Hartung, who currently serves as President and Chief Strategy Officer at Chipotle. Furthermore, a committee consisting of Robyn Denholm and Kathleen Wilson-Thompson is advising on the complex issue of Musk's compensation to retain him as CEO at Tesla [7].
Lastly, Tesla has received approval for its Starlink service for maritime and aviation use in Saudi Arabia [8]. The fast and highly reliable wireless connections needed for Tesla's planned robotaxi service are also being developed for the Optimus robot.
References: [1] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-dutch-regulatory-approval-robotaxis-delay/ [2] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-robotaxis-austin-june-launch-2025/ [3] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-robotaxis-europe-regulatory-approval/ [4] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-robotaxis-germany-2025-launch-delayed/ [5] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-robotaxis-austin-2025-launch-plans-details/ [6] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-robotaxis-austin-remote-control-human-safety-drivers/ [7] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-compensation-committee-elon-musk-retention/ [8] https://www.teslarati.com/starlink-maritime-aviation-saudi-arabia-approval/
The FSD technology development for Tesla's robotaxis in Europe is primarily hindered by the regulatory process, particularly awaiting approval from Dutch authorities and the European Union, with a realistic expectation for initial supervised FSD rollouts by the end of 2025. The successful implementation of this technology also requires adherence to safety standards and regulations such as Automated Lane Keeping Systems (Regulation 157).
As technology advances, Tesla is working to equip their robots like the Optimus with the necessary connections for fast and highly reliable wireless connections, similar to those being developed for their maritime and aviation Starlink service, as recently approved in Saudi Arabia.
