Elon Musk’s Robotaxi Promise: Ambition Meets Reality Amid Looming Regulatory and Market Challenges

Elon Musk has long touted the arrival of Tesla’s driverless "robotaxis," promising their debut repeatedly since 2019. Yet despite these proclamations, a fully operational fleet remains elusive, raising critical questions about the feasibility of Musk’s ambitious timeline—and the consequences for investors and consumers alike. Most recently, Tesla began testing a limited rollout of robotaxis in Austin, Texas—a modest demonstration involving just a dozen vehicles monitored remotely and accompanied by safety drivers ready to intervene if necessary. While Musk heralds this as the start of rapid national expansion to possibly a million vehicles next year, experts remain skeptical. Promises vs. Past...