Tesla is operating just 42 robotaxis in Texas nearly a year after launching the autonomous ride-hailing service, according to newly released registration data from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
The figures, disclosed under new state regulations that took effect Thursday, provide the clearest picture yet of the scale of Tesla’s self-driving taxi operations in Texas. The data shows Tesla’s fleet remains significantly smaller than rival Waymo, which has registered 577 autonomous vehicles across the state.
Waymo’s robotaxi fleet is now more than 13 times larger than Tesla’s presence in Texas.
The autonomous taxi business is considered a critical part of CEO Elon Musk’s long-term strategy to transform Tesla from an electric vehicle manufacturer into a major player in artificial intelligence and robotics.
Tesla first launched its robotaxi service in Austin in June last year and has since expanded operations to Dallas and Houston. However, the rollout remains far below Musk’s earlier projections.
Last year, Musk predicted Tesla would have as many as 500 robotaxis operating in Austin alone by the end of 2025, though he later softened those expectations.
The fleet numbers became public following new Texas regulations requiring commercial autonomous vehicle operators to provide detailed operational information to the state. Companies must now disclose fleet sizes and provide emergency response guidance for first responders.
Before the new rules, Texas maintained relatively limited oversight of autonomous vehicle companies, mainly requiring vehicles to comply with traffic laws, maintain insurance coverage, and carry camera systems.
Tesla also runs a ride-hailing service in the San Francisco Bay Area, although the company still lacks approvals necessary to fully operate autonomous ride services there.
The company said earlier this year it was preparing to expand robotaxi operations into five additional cities, though Musk has acknowledged the service is unlikely to contribute significant revenue in the near term.
Meanwhile, Waymo continues to strengthen its lead in autonomous transportation in Texas, where its vehicles currently operate in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
