Tesla’s first self-driving car delivery

Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk announced a big step forward: a Tesla Model Y drove itself from the company’s factory near Austin, Texas, to a customer’s home without any human help. This marks Tesla’s first fully autonomous car delivery, showing off its push toward self-driving technology. The Model Y traveled through city streets and highways, reaching the customer’s home a day earlier than planned.

Musk shared the news on X, praising Tesla’s AI and chip design teams for their work. Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s AI and Autopilot leader, said the car hit a top speed of 72 miles per hour during the trip. No video of the drive has been shared yet, but Musk promised footage would come soon. This achievement ties into Tesla’s broader goal of building a future with self-driving cars and robotaxis.

The company started testing its robotaxi service in Austin on June 22, offering rides for a $4.20 flat fee. Musk believes this technology will change how people use cars, letting owners earn money by renting out their vehicles as taxis when not in use. However, Tesla faces challenges, as some early robotaxi tests showed issues like speeding or driving in the wrong lane.

Despite these hurdles, this delivery is a key moment for Tesla, which is betting on AI and automation to boost its growth as electric vehicle sales slow. Musk’s vision of millions of self-driving Teslas could reshape the auto industry if successful.