Tesla has applied for a permit to have Robotaxis running in California
- Tesla is looking to launch a robotaxi service in California
- The EV giant will likely use its new Cybercabs in the future
- However, the ride-hailing service might not start with autonomous cars
Published on Mar 08, 2025 at 5:41 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Mar 06, 2025 at 12:13 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
Electric vehicle giant Tesla has initiated the next step in its autonomous vehicle drive by applying for a permit to have Cybercab robotaxis running in California.
The company has been working on an automated taxi – the Cybercab – for some time, and this move brings us a step closer to seeing it in use.
Documents viewed by Bloomberg reveal Tesla has submitted its application to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
However, we are unlikely to see the new ride-hailing service operate fully autonomously when it launches.
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Tesla wants to have a fully autonomous ride-hailing service
The permit in question is a transportation charter-party carrier permit.
That means that the company would fully own and operate its fleet of EVs, unlike other ride-hailing services.
However, initially, it is likely that the service won’t be autonomous.
The service in question has included discussions about driver records and drug testing.
That move indicates the service won’t be autonomous when it first launches.
Tesla needs additional approval from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMC) to operate its expected fleet of Cybercabs.
The company has yet to do this, as the EV manufacturer is currently only approved for testing its autonomous vehicles in the state.
That current permit also states that the self-driving tester or safety driver needs to be onboard the vehicle.
The Cybercab should eventually enter service
Despite this, Tesla should soon see its new Cybercab enter service.
The company revealed the new car in late 2024, and the new vehicles could earn their keep by June 2025.
That might not come from California, however, but rather from Austin, Texas, which CEO Elon Musk has already claimed will happen.
It might sound confusing as to why Tesla is set to operate a ride-hailing service but without its much-hyped Cybercab.
However, the EV giant is not doing well in terms of its business.
Since Musk took up a position within the US government, its stock has been down by roughly 40 percent, and sales of its cars have also decreased.
It is worse in Europe, with sales falling by as much as 63 percent in France.
This is partly down to Musk’s unpopularity on the continent.
Tesla, therefore, would welcome the extra revenue from any new ride-hailing service, autonomous or otherwise.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
