Tesla robotaxis land in Charlotte
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Photo: Courtesy of Michael Konen
Tesla appears to be laying the groundwork for robotaxi service in Charlotte, with Cybercabs stationed in a lot and a job posting for test operators.
Why it matters: Charlotte could become a battleground for autonomous ride-hailing if Tesla and Waymo, which has been testing here for months, race to launch services.
What we know: Photos shared on X this week by longtime Tesla investor Michael Konen, who says he owned one of the first Model 3s in Charlotte, showed 14 Cybercabs and 14 Model Ys with Texas plates in a Charlotte-area lot.
Plus, a job posting on Tesla's website seeks an AI Safety Operator in Charlotte to "oversee daily operations of ride-hailing services" and collect data by driving in a "designated area" for six to eight hours a day.
- Tesla did not respond to Axios' request for comment by deadline.
- Similar job postings for operators are also posted for more than 30 other locations, including Nashville and Atlanta.
What they're saying: "We're not the bleeding front of these new technologies ... But I love that technology is coming here," says Konen, adding that he's excited about Wing drones expanding in Charlotte.
Zoom out: Tesla so far has driverless robotaxis in service in Houston, Dallas and Austin, Texas and Miami, Orlando and Tampa, Fla. It also has cars in San Francisco, but "safety drivers" are behind the wheel due to California regulations.
- In its latest earnings report, Tesla said it intends to roll out Robotaxis in other U.S. metros — with preparations underway in Las Vegas and Phoenix — but did not mention Charlotte explicitly.