Tesla has deployed its unsupervised Model Y SUVs to Orlando and Tampa, marking the third city in Florida where the company is trialing its nascent robotaxi service. The launches, which came one day before Tesla’s second-quarter earnings call, are part of a broader plan that saw autonomous fleets announced for Dallas and Houston but have yet to materialize.

While the operational areas in Orlando and Tampa appear limited, this move signals Tesla's continued investment in its driverless technology. CEO Elon Musk had previously promised that by 2025, half the U.S. population would be served by Tesla’s robotaxis. However, the company has taken a slower approach than initially anticipated.

The recent proposal from the Department of Transportation to allow autonomous vehicles without brake pedals could provide a significant boost for Tesla's plans. The removal of this requirement could clear the way for the deployment of Cybercabs, which have been staged in cities across the country, including those where Tesla’s robotaxi service is now being trialed.

Tesla disbanded its press office years ago, leaving questions about how it will communicate with stakeholders and the public. Nevertheless, these launches continue to bring us closer—or perhaps further away—to a fully autonomous future.