Tesla has received final approval to operate its commercial Robotaxi service in Nevada, removing the 10-vehicle restriction placed on the company under its interim operating authority.
The full permit marks a significant upgrade from the interim order Tesla received just last week. While the automaker had requested authorization for up to 5,000 autonomous vehicles during its first year, regulators initially limited the fleet to just 10.
With the full permit now in hand, Tesla can deploy up to 5,000 Robotaxis over the next 12 months. Tesla explained at the meeting it plans to launch the service using Model Y vehicles, with Cybercab expected to join the fleet at a later date.
However, while they have the permission, Tesla said it expects to start with a smaller fleet and expand if there is enough demand, adding that a 5,000 vehicles fleet likely won’t happen for a number of years, if ever.
“The 5,000 has always been a ceiling for us. I don’t think we’ll be in a position by this time next year to deploy 5,000 vehicles, and it’s not the technology. I think we would be extremely happy and satisfied if we could get ourselves up to 2,500, maybe a bit higher than that in the next year,” Cybercab chief engineer Eric Early said.
Las Vegas first, but expansion possible
Tesla’s initial service will launch in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas. However, the permit allows the company to eventually expand elsewhere in Nevada after notifying regulators of changes to its operating area.
There are still several administrative steps before paid rides can begin, including vehicle inspections, providing proof of insurance and submitting transportation rates. Those requirements are expected to be completed within the next 30 days.
During Thursday’s meeting, Tesla also discussed how it plans to support a much larger autonomous fleet. The company said it is open to establishing additional Robotaxi mission control centres beyond its existing facilities in Austin and the Bay Area as operations expand.
Not only Tesla Robotaxis coming to Vegas
Tesla wasn’t the only company to get approval on Thursday. Separately, the NTA unanimously approved permits for Waymo to deploy up to 1,000 vehicles, while Uber was also approved for 1,000 vehicles.
Combined, the permits could see up to 8,000 robotaxis across Las Vegas over the next year.
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