Tesla Seeks Approval for California Robotaxi Service
Tesla is taking another step toward launching its long-anticipated robotaxi service in California. The company has applied for a transportation charter-party carrier permit with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), a necessary regulatory step before it can offer ride-hailing services using autonomous vehicles. However, even if the permit is granted, Tesla will still require additional approvals before it can operate driverless vehicles for passenger transportation.
Tesla is only authorized to test autonomous vehicles with safety drivers in California but lacks the necessary permits to conduct fully driverless operations or commercial ride-hailing services. This move signals Tesla’s growing ambition to enter the competitive autonomous ride-hailing market, where it would compete with companies like Waymo and Cruise, which already operate self-driving taxi services in certain US cities.
As Tesla pushes forward with its plans, regulatory scrutiny and public safety concerns remain significant hurdles. If approved, this could mark a major milestone in Tesla’s autonomous driving strategy, but it remains to be seen how long the approval process will take and what restrictions may be imposed.
🔗 Read more: Reuters
China Tightens Regulations on Autonomous Driving Software
China has introduced stricter regulations governing over-the-air (OTA) software updates related to autonomous driving. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, automakers must obtain regulatory approval before rolling out software updates affecting vehicle automation.
The new policy prevents manufacturers from quietly using software patches to fix safety flaws without disclosing them to regulators. It also ensures that companies cannot evade liability by deploying unapproved updates that alter autonomous driving performance. Automakers like Tesla and Xiaomi, which rely heavily on OTA updates to enhance or correct their self-driving capabilities, will now face increased oversight in the world’s largest auto market.
This regulatory shift reflects China’s growing emphasis on safety and accountability in the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle industry. It also signals that authorities want more control over how self-driving technologies are deployed, ensuring that software updates do not introduce new risks to road users.
🔗 Read more: Reuters
Jacksonville Begins Testing Autonomous Shuttles
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has officially launched its testing phase for autonomous vehicles along the Bay Street Innovation Corridor. This three-mile stretch, running from Pearl Street to EverBank Stadium, is the focus of a $66.4 million project to integrate self-driving shuttles into the city’s public transportation network.
During the initial testing phase, autonomous shuttles will operate on weekdays between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., but only onboard attendants are permitted inside now. The project aims to roll out 14 autonomous shuttles serving 12 designated stops, offering a new, convenient transportation option for residents and visitors.
JTA has been actively exploring autonomous vehicle technology for years and sees this project as a key step toward transforming urban mobility in Jacksonville. If testing goes smoothly, the public is expected to gain access to the shuttles by June 2025.
🔗 Read more: Jacksonville Daily Record
Driverless Cars Debut in Gwinnett County, Georgia
Residents of Peachtree Corners, Gwinnett County, are now witnessing history as the first commercial, fully autonomous vehicles hit the streets in Georgia. The self-driving shuttle service, launched in partnership with May Mobility, operates along Technology Parkway and provides free rides to the public.
Initially, these vehicles underwent extensive testing with onboard operators for safety oversight. Now, they have transitioned to full driverless mode, a significant step forward in autonomous transportation. The service runs on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with plans to expand to additional public roads shortly.
Local officials see this project as a model for other cities considering autonomous vehicle integration. Future expansions may connect hotels, commercial centers, and other key regional destinations, making autonomous shuttles a practical and accessible mobility option for residents.
🔗 Read more: WSB-TV
