Tesla’s Robotaxi Update Is Raising More Than Just Coverage In Austin
Those in Austin now have a much larger service area to choose from with Tesla’s Robotaxi
- Tesla just updated its autonomous Robotaxi coverage map in Austin, Texas.
- The service area is similar to rival Waymo’s map but extends coverage.
- Customers noticed what could be a somewhat intentional shape to the map.
After years of anticipation and plenty of hype, Tesla’s Robotaxi launch didn’t quite arrive with the spectacle many expected. Rather than having dozens of cars driving around without constraints, around 10 cars showed up with human supervisors all working within a GPS-fenced area. Tesla is making improvements, though, and it starts with a phallic-shaped updated coverage map.
The few people currently invited to Tesla‘s Robotaxi Beta program should have a new update in their Robotax app. Dubbed version 25.7.5 (6031), the software comes with several enhancements. It now provides walking directions to your pickup and final destination. It allows customers to edit their destination after booking. And it alerts customers if a destination closes near arrival time.
More: Tesla’s Robotaxis Aren’t The Same As The Model Y You Can Buy
Perhaps most interestingly, it updates the coverage map, and boy, is it an interesting one. As maps go, they usually don’t matter much beyond simple function. This one, though, is shaped kinda funny. Almost like a ball-peen hammer but with much rounder edges. In fact, as many online joked about its shape, Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly replied to one comment with a simple Chef’s kiss meme.
It’s unclear if Musk himself had something to do with the shape or if it’s just a coincidence. Many aspects of Tesla are cheeky puns or hints at other things such as the model lineup – namely S,3,X, and Y. Musk loves connections like that and this map absolutely seems like something he’d request, even if it’s just for fun. That said, it does look very functional and demonstrates how Tesla does things differently.
Now, Tesla covers North Austin, Tech Ridge, Westover Hills, Georgian Acres, Crestview, and more neighborhoods that Waymo doesn’t. Of course, there are some places, like Tarrytown, that the brand doesn’t reach. In short, Austinites now have a lot more coverage across the metro area. And at least in Tesla’s case, the map looks a little childish, doesn’t it?
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