JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tesla has added Jacksonville to its robotaxi map as “coming soon,” but has not announced a launch date for the driverless service.
The company added the city late Wednesday as it released its first robotaxi safety report ahead of its earnings call. The launch would be Jacksonville’s first private-sector self-driving vehicle service.
Residents who spoke with Action News Jax had mixed reactions.
“Yeah I would feel comfortable doing it,” Jacksonville resident Jeawon Lee said.
Another person questioned how the service would work.
Tesla posted clips showing its driverless cars navigating stormy weather, a pedestrian crossing at a green light, stray pets and other robotaxis.
Florida law allows driverless vehicles on public roads without a human behind the wheel and legally treats the software as the driver. It also prevents local governments, including Jacksonville, from imposing their own fees, permits or rules. Tesla already operates driverless robotaxis in Miami, Orlando and Tampa.
“Why can’t we just keep taxi drivers doing it or normal humans driving? I don’t see the point. I feel it just takes the job away from people,” Jacksonville resident Kinsey said.
Action News Jax reported last month that Tesla is coordinating with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is auditing how Tesla certified its Cybercab, which has no steering wheel or pedals, as meeting federal safety standards.
Regulators are also reviewing a petition claiming Tesla robotaxis speed through active school zones. About 1,000 vehicles could be affected.
The Cybercab’s first reported crash was a 5 mph encounter with a pothole in Austin. No one was hurt.
“Electronics, anything can go wrong, anything could malfunction,” Jacksonville resident Tayea said.
“It’s amazing, I just trust it,” Lee said.
Tesla claims its vehicles have traveled 3.1 million driverless miles with zero injuries. Those figures come from the company, not an independent review.
Tesla’s answers to federal regulators are due next Thursday.
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