Tesla has expanded its robotaxi trials to Orlando and Tampa, bringing an unspecified number of driverless Model Y vehicles to two additional Florida cities. The rollout came one day before Tesla’s scheduled second-quarter earnings report on July 22.
The two service zones appear limited, and Tesla has not disclosed the number of vehicles, public availability or plans to increase coverage. Miami became the company’s first Florida robotaxi market earlier in July.
Florida Robotaxi Trials Expand
Tesla published maps showing operational areas in Orlando and Tampa but provided few additional details. The expansion raises the number of Florida cities involved in its early robotaxi programme to three.
The company uses modified Model Y SUVs equipped with its camera-based autonomous driving system. Tesla describes its Robotaxi service as a ride-hailing network that will eventually include the purpose-built Cybercab.
Tesla announced robotaxi operations in Dallas and Houston before its first-quarter earnings release. However, those services have remained limited, and the company has not disclosed detailed fleet numbers or passenger volumes for either market.
Rollout Remains Behind Earlier Targets
Chief Executive Elon Musk previously said Tesla robotaxis would serve half of the US population by the end of 2025. The company has moved more slowly, beginning with a small Austin launch before adding selected operations in other cities.
Musk adopted a more cautious position during Tesla’s first-quarter earnings call, citing the need to monitor safety and operational performance. Investors are expected to seek updates when Tesla discusses its second-quarter results on July 22.
Proposed Rule Could Support Cybercab Deployment
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed changing federal standards that require manually operated brake pedals in passenger vehicles. The proposal would apply to vehicles designed exclusively for automated driving while preserving existing stopping-distance requirements.
The change could make it easier for Tesla to deploy the two-seat Cybercab, which does not have a steering wheel or pedals. Tesla has displayed Cybercab vehicles in several US cities but has not started a large commercial rollout.
Current rules allow manufacturers to seek exemptions for limited numbers of vehicles that do not comply with conventional equipment standards. The proposed NHTSA update could remove the need for individual brake-pedal exemptions if it becomes final.
Featured image credits: Wikimedia Commons
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