Inside Tesla’s (TSLA) Austin factory, employees have been quietly working on modified versions of the Model Y for the company’s ambitious Robotaxi project, according to Business Insider. These special electric vehicles include changes not found in regular consumer versions, such as self-cleaning cameras and added protection to keep those cameras clear of damage and debris. One person familiar with the project noted that these cars feature a second telecommunications unit, which helps send GPS coordinates and connect the vehicle with remote human operators.
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Elon Musk confirmed earlier this year that Tesla would rely on remote operators to step in during emergencies. A recent photo from Tesla’s AI lead even showed office desks equipped with steering wheels, which provide hints to how these remote interventions might work. The first Halo vehicles were rolled out on June 22, using Model Ys equipped with the self-cleaning camera technology. Tesla previously mentioned on X that it was working on keeping cameras clear, a necessary step since the Robotaxis rely solely on vision, unlike other self-driving companies that use LiDAR or radar.
So far, the Robotaxi service is only operating in a limited area of Austin and includes both a remote operator and a human safety monitor sitting in the passenger seat. This monitor can stop or pull over the car using controls on the touchscreen, and passengers have access to similar buttons on a rear screen. Some YouTube videos suggest the safety monitors are also in contact with remote drivers. According to Musk, the program began with around 10 to 20 vehicles, with plans to scale over time. Following the launch, Tesla’s stock jumped 8%, and early user reviews—shared on X and YouTube—were largely positive, with one analyst saying the ride was so smooth it didn’t feel like a driverless experience at all.
What Is the Prediction for Tesla Stock?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Hold consensus rating on TSLA stock based on 14 Buys, 12 Holds, and nine Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average TSLA price target of $287 per share implies 12% downside risk.
