Tesla has expanded its Robotaxi service area in Austin for the second time since its initial launch in June, significantly extending coverage to the south of the city. The latest expansion adds an estimated 40 square miles, bringing the total service area to approximately 80 square miles—nearly quadrupling the original pilot zone.
The newest expansion pushes the geofence into more suburban neighborhoods and major thoroughfares in southern Austin. It represents Tesla’s second major increase in service coverage in just under three weeks, highlighting the company’s aggressive rollout strategy.
The images below show the rapid expansion of Tesla’s robotaxi geofence in Austin, with the original pilot zone on the far left, the first expansion in the middle, and the second expansion on the far right.
Tesla’s rapid growth in the Austin market appears to be driven by a high level of confidence in its Robotaxi fleet. Internal data revealed during the Q2 2025 earnings call show that the service has already logged close to ten thousand miles with no major safety incidents reported. While exact performance metrics have not been disclosed, Tesla’s willingness to expand the service so quickly suggests it is pleased with early results.
The expansion is also expected to be accompanied by an increase in vehicle availability, aimed at keeping wait times low as the coverage area grows. The original launch in June consisted of a fleet of between 10-20 Model Y vehicles.
Tesla appears to be using the Austin pilot as a proving ground for a larger nationwide rollout. The company recently expanded to the Bay Area, although due to differing regulatory requirements between California and Texas, Tesla is required to have a human behind the steering wheel in the Golden State. Whereas in Texas, Tesla has a safety operator in the front passenger seat.
Recent job postings indicate Tesla has plans for a large rollout of robotaxi in major metropolitan areas of the U.S., possibly before the end of the year.
