US Federal Government Intensifies Monitoring of Tesla's Robotaxi Development Process
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has asked Tesla to clarify how its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system handles extreme weather conditions, according to Reuters.
NHTSA confirmed receiving Tesla's response before the June 19 deadline for evaluation. This coincides with Tesla's launch of a paid robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with a small group of users this weekend.
The test program is not public. Sending private email invitations, Tesla invited a few users to test the robotaxi, starting on Sunday. The vehicles will have Tesla staff seated in the front passenger seat to ensure safety, alongside observing the actual operation.
NHTSA Demands Clarity on Robotaxi Technology and Weather Risks
NHTSA is investigating the performance of the Full Self-Driving system when visibility conditions are reduced, such as during rain, fog, dust, or snowfall.
The company is examining 2.4 million vehicles on the road, including a fatal accident in 2023 directly related to the FSD mode being activated. In May, federal agencies requested Tesla specify the number of vehicles participating in the robotaxi service and when this system could operate autonomously beyond driver control.
They also questioned the system's ability to detect and adapt to weather changes, and automatic safety mode activation during vision-related incidents mid-journey.
In documents submitted to NHTSA, CEO Elon Musk affirmed that the Austin test program focuses on safety, with remote human supervision. However, the frequency of human intervention or the system's full autonomous capability remains unclear.
The initial test program includes only 10 vehicles, limited to safe routes. Remote controls are ready to intervene when necessary. Despite its small scale, this campaign is seen as a validation of Tesla's self-driving technology after years of anticipation.
Tesla Has Not Yet Reached L4 Level, Competing with Waymo
While Tesla remains committed to camera technology, competitors like Waymo have launched approximately 1,500 self-driving vehicles in 4 major US cities, using expensive lidar and radar sensors.
Waymo's vehicles are based on the Jaguar I-Pace platform, priced from $70,000 and up, integrating multiple high-end sensors to ensure maximum safety. In contrast, Tesla plans to launch the Cybercab, priced under $30,000, eliminating lidar and radar sensors, relying solely on vision systems.
However, it remains uncertain whether Tesla's system can operate at the L4 autonomous level without human intervention. The company has not disclosed the frequency of remote control support needed during actual testing.
Moreover, the compatibility of the Full Self-Driving software with older vehicle models is still unclear. Vehicle owners must handle their own maintenance, cleaning, and insurance — factors that could become significant operational challenges.
Waymo has built a separate charging and maintenance station system to support their robotaxi fleet, while Tesla wants a model without fixed assets, which could be difficult if maintenance responsibilities fall on users.
