As is known from last year’s statements by Tesla’s management, in the second quarter of this year the company is going to launch a driverless taxi service first in Texas and then in California. In fact, in the latter state the company is already transporting its employees as part of tests. Tesla recently received permission from California authorities, which will allow it to launch a full-fledged driverless taxi service in this state in the future.
Image Source: Tesla
Reuters reported that the California Public Utilities Commission has issued Tesla a permit to operate passenger transportation services in the state. For now, it technically allows the company to transport employees in company electric vehicles along pre-determined routes. In the future, Tesla will be able to start transporting third-party clients on a commercial basis, but this step will require additional approval not only from the said agency, but also from at least two others. At the same time, even if Tesla Cybercab driverless taxis without a steering wheel and pedals hit the roads of the United States this year, they will still be remotely controlled by operators, as company representatives admitted.
Tesla is only allowed to test driverless cars in California if there is a backup driver behind the wheel. If the company really intends to launch a driverless taxi service in the state, it will have to work quite closely with regulators, since there are just over three months left before the deadline set last year.