Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is preparing to launch its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with a tentative start date of June 22, according to CEO Elon Musk.

Safety First: Musk's Cautious Optimism

In a late-Tuesday post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk said the launch date could shift, emphasizing that Tesla is being “super paranoid about safety.” He also shared footage of a driverless black Model Y SUV being tested on Austin roads.

This marks a major step in Tesla's autonomous vehicle strategy and reflects Musk's vision of building a full self-driving ecosystem.

Market Reaction

Investors responded positively. Tesla shares rose 5.67% in extended trading following the announcement, indicating renewed confidence in the company's AI and mobility roadmap.

Competitive Implications

Tesla's move into robotaxis comes amid intensifying competition from Waymo, Cruise, and Chinese players in the autonomous driving space. But Tesla's vertically integrated approach and real-world data advantage from its global fleet could give it a unique edge.

Stay Updated with Real-Time Data

To track Tesla's autonomous tech impact on its valuation and fundamentals, monitor:

• Earnings Historical - for revenue impact from upcoming launches

• Company Rating - to view shifts in analyst outlooks post-launch