Tesla launches robotaxi service in San Antonio
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A Tesla Robotaxi in June 2025. Photo: Tim Goessman/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Tesla launched its robotaxi service Monday in San Antonio.
Why it matters: The rollout expands autonomous vehicle offerings in the Alamo City, where Waymo is the only other operator, and grows the footprint where San Antonians can hail a self-driving car.
The latest: The Tesla service area covers downtown and nearby areas, extending to The Shops at La Cantera and Six Flags Fiesta Texas on the Northwest Side.
- Waymo's service area only extends as far north as San Antonio International Airport.
Yes, but: Waymo is authorized to take riders to and from the airport. Tesla is not yet, airport spokesperson Tonya Hope tells Axios.
The big picture: Waymo is broadly considered the national leader in robotaxis. Tesla is looking to compete, TechCrunch reported.
- Tesla often begins its robotaxi service with a limited number of vehicles and gradually expands, per the technology news website.
Reality check: Tesla appears to have just one robotaxi vehicle in San Antonio, per the website Robotaxi Tracker. When the company launched in Houston in April, it had just two vehicles.
Flashback: Tesla is planning a robotaxi charging hub on the North Side, which the City Council OK'd this fall. That could mean more vehicles are on the way.
Catch up quick: Waymo launched locally in February, but paused operations to make fixes after one of its vehicles drove into floodwaters.
- Waymo relaunched in San Antonio in September.
- Waymo told city councilmembers last week it has no immediate plans to expand its San Antonio service area, but will add vehicles as demand grows. It has about 100 vehicles locally.
What we're watching: Texas is a key testing ground for self-driving cars, as the state has generally limited local restrictions. But last week's Democratic election sweep could tap the brakes on the industry's ambitious growth plans.
- While Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa didn't say much on the campaign trail about AVs, she was among seven Democratic Texas lawmakers who asked Tesla in 2025 to postpone its Austin robotaxi launch until new regulations took effect.