Tesla has officially launched its long-awaited robotaxi service in California, deploying a fleet of fully autonomous vehicles for paid rides in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The launch represents a pivotal moment for the company, which has invested billions in developing self-driving technology over the past decade.

The service, operating under the Tesla Network brand, initially offers rides in geofenced areas of both cities, with plans to expand coverage throughout 2026. Rides are priced competitively with Uber and Lyft, but Tesla's lack of driver costs gives it a significant margin advantage.

CEO Elon Musk, who has repeatedly promised and delayed autonomous driving capabilities, was uncharacteristically measured in his comments. "This is just the beginning. We're starting conservatively and will expand as we demonstrate safety," Musk said during a launch event.