Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced ambitious plans for autonomous driving technology, aiming to release “unsupervised” Full Self-Driving in 2025 and produce robotaxis by 2026-2027. However, these plans face significant regulatory challenges.
While Texas’s relaxed autonomous vehicle regulations may accommodate Tesla’s plans, California’s stricter rules pose hurdles. Tesla lacks necessary permits for driverless testing and commercial deployment in California.
The proposed robotaxis, designed without steering wheels or pedals, require exemptions from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, which Tesla has yet to apply for.
Investors have responded cautiously, with Tesla’s stock falling nearly 10% following the announcement. The lack of clarity on regulatory approaches and technological advancements has left many skeptical about the feasibility of Musk’s timelines.
As Tesla pushes forward, navigating the complex regulatory landscape remains a crucial challenge for its autonomous driving ambitions.
