Tesla is making headway in its push for self-driving technology, engaging in preliminary discussions with authorities in Austin, Texas, according to a report from Bloomberg News on Thursday.
This marks a significant step as the electric vehicle giant seeks to establish safety protocols for its autonomous vehicles in a state known for its relatively relaxed regulatory environment.
Establishing safety expectations
A Tesla employee has been in contact with the city’s autonomous vehicle task force since at least May, aiming to align on safety requirements for its vehicles, according to Bloomberg.
This development, revealed through emails obtained via public records requests, demonstrates Tesla’s proactive approach as it prepares to deploy its autonomous technology.
Tesla’s autonomous vision
In October, Tesla showcased its Cybercab prototype, a driverless and pedal-less vehicle, at a robotaxi event in Hollywood.
CEO Elon Musk subsequently announced the company’s intention to roll out an “unsupervised version” of its driver-assistance technology in both California and Texas next year.
For several years, Tesla has offered its “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) package, which requires continuous driver supervision despite its name, which indicates that Tesla is moving toward fully autonomous vehicles.
Market reaction and political winds
Tesla shares saw a jump of about 3% in premarket trading on Thursday following the Bloomberg report.
The rally came on the back of Donald Trump’s re-election as US president, a development that has emboldened investors, who see Musk’s potential influence within the administration as a catalyst for breaking down regulatory barriers for the technology.
Texas as a regulatory haven
Industry experts suggest that Tesla may face fewer hurdles in states like Texas, which have less stringent regulations for autonomous vehicles, as cities are explicitly prohibited from regulating driverless vehicle operation.
This regulatory landscape provides a potential advantage for Tesla, allowing it to pilot its technology in a more open environment.
During an earnings call in October, Musk disclosed that Tesla is currently pilot-testing a ride-hailing technology in the Bay Area using an in-house app and vehicles equipped with safety drivers.
This testing phase is a crucial component of the company’s roadmap to eventually launching a fully autonomous ride-sharing service.
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