TL;DRTexas DMV records show Tesla has 42 robotaxis vs Waymo’s 577. Tesla self-certified as Level 4 despite previously claiming Level 2.
Tesla has 42 autonomous vehicles authorised for driverless ridehailing in Texas. Waymo has 577. The figures were published in an online database on 28 May as a new Texas law took effect giving the state greater oversight of commercial driverless vehicle operators.
Tesla’s fleet is less than one-tenth the size of Waymo’s in the same state. AV Ride, a smaller operator, has 317 authorised vehicles. Amazon’s Zoox has 35. The database makes fleet sizes public record for the first time.
The new law requires operators to self-certify that their vehicles are Level 4 autonomous, meaning they can operate without a human driver on board in normal weather and on typical roads. Waymo has long classified its robotaxis as Level 4. Tesla has told regulators that most of its cars feature Level 2 driver assistance systems.
The 💜 of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!Tesla has not disclosed how it came to self-certify any of its Austin fleet as Level 4. The company did not respond to CNBC’s request for comment. The gap between Level 2 (driver must supervise at all times) and Level 4 (no driver needed) is the most consequential classification in autonomous driving.
