日本語
한국어
Tiếng Việt
简体中文
Tesla’s recent robotaxi launch in Austin, Texas, has quickly come under the microscope after videos showcasing concerning incidents surfaced online, drawing the attention of federal regulators.
NHTSA Probes Tesla Robotaxi Issues
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reached out to Tesla following widespread circulation of videos depicting Tesla robotaxis operating erratically in Austin. The videos show instances of vehicles driving against traffic and abruptly braking, raising safety concerns.
A NHTSA spokesperson confirmed that the agency is “aware of the referenced incidents and is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information.”
Robotaxi Rollout and Market Reaction
Tesla initiated its robotaxi service in Austin with a limited fleet of Model Y vehicles equipped with the latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. This launch initially spurred an 8% surge in Tesla’s stock price. Each vehicle has a human in the front passenger seat.
The service is currently exclusive to invited participants who have agreed to the terms of Tesla’s “early access program.”
Past Promises vs. Present Reality
While the robotaxi launch represents a step forward, it also highlights the gap between Elon Musk’s ambitious timelines and the current state of autonomous driving. Musk had previously predicted full autonomy capabilities as early as 2015 and a cross-country autonomous drive by 2017. Those claims never came to pass.
Meanwhile, competitors like Waymo are gaining traction. Waymo recently announced surpassing 10 million paid trips.
Ongoing Investigation
NHTSA’s inquiry adds to existing scrutiny of Tesla’s FSD technology, which is already under investigation following prior accidents. The agency emphasizes that automakers are responsible for certifying their vehicles meet federal safety standards and that it will investigate potential safety defects.
Tesla has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the incidents and the ongoing NHTSA investigation.