Tesla on Tuesday obtained the primary in a sequence of approvals from California required for the electrical automobile maker to finally launch a promised robotaxi service within the state, based on a state regulator.
The California Public Utilities Fee (CPUC) mentioned it authorized Tesla’s software for a transportation charter-party service allow (TCP), a license sometimes related to chauffeur-operated providers, permitting the corporate to personal and management a fleet of automobiles and transport staff on pre-arranged journeys.
The allow is a prerequisite for making use of to function an autonomous ride-hailing service in California, however a CPUC spokesperson mentioned the present allow “doesn’t authorise them to offer rides” in autonomous automobiles, and doesn’t permit Tesla to function a ride-hailing service to the general public.
With gross sales progress slowing, Tesla CEO Elon Musk pivoted his focus final yr to rolling out robotaxis and has promised driverless ride-hailing providers to the general public in California and Texas this yr. In October, Tesla revealed the Cybercab, a robotaxi idea that had no steering wheel or management pedals.
Tesla had utilized for the TCP allow in November 2024, the regulator mentioned in an electronic mail, including that the corporate had not utilized for the opposite permits but.
Tesla would additionally want permits from the California Division of Motor Automobiles (DMV) and CPUC in an effort to function a totally autonomous robotaxi service that fees clients.
Tesla at the moment solely has a DMV allow to check autonomous automobiles with a security driver.
A DMV spokesperson mentioned on Tuesday that Tesla has not utilized for any further permits from the company, which might be required to maneuver ahead with a CPUC software for driverless taxis.
Tesla didn’t reply to requests for feedback on the allow and particulars on the opposite functions.
