“Tesla will begin fully autonomous Robotaxi operations (without a safety driver) in 5 cities [in 2026] — my guess is they launch in 8-10 cities, with 5 (Austin, Dallas, SF, Phoenix, and Vegas) not using a safety driver.”

Tesla was running driverless Model Y and, from September 2026, Cybercab rides in Austin plus service in several other metros; the five-city driver-out count resolves at year-end.