In an exciting development for autonomous vehicle enthusiasts, Tesla is making strides to expand its robotaxi service into Arizona. The company has officially submitted an application to test and operate self-driving vehicles in the Metro Phoenix area, as confirmed by the state’s Department of Transportation.
On June 26, Tesla reached out to the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the Arizona Department of Transportation to initiate the certification process. This move comes shortly after the company introduced a limited robotaxi service in South Austin, which is currently available only to select users. The interest in the Phoenix Metro area indicates Tesla’s ambition to broaden its reach in the autonomous vehicle market.
The application submitted by Tesla includes requests for both testing and operating autonomous vehicles with and without a driver. A decision regarding this application is anticipated by the end of the month, according to a spokesperson from the DOT MVD. The initial contact with the state’s DOT was first highlighted by a prominent Tesla influencer.
Casey Blaine, Tesla’s senior regulatory counsel, has been actively engaging with the state’s DOT and Arizona’s Commerce Authority. Emails obtained through a records request reveal that these discussions are still in the early stages, with Blaine seeking introductions to local government and law enforcement officials in Maricopa County to facilitate a smooth launch.
In June, Tesla initiated a limited robotaxi service in South Austin, which is currently exclusive to invited users. CEO Elon Musk recently announced plans to expand this service further into the city, while also indicating that regulatory approvals for robotaxi operations in the Bay Area are expected within the next couple of months.
However, Musk’s ambitious plans for robotaxis may face regulatory challenges, particularly in California. Each state, including Arizona, California, and Texas, has its own set of requirements for autonomous vehicle operations.
In California, companies aiming to test and deploy autonomous vehicles must obtain various permits from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). These permits cover different stages of testing, including operations with and without a human safety operator. Additionally, companies wishing to operate a robotaxi service must secure permits from the California Public Utilities Commission.
A spokesperson from the California DMV stated that Tesla has held a permit for public road testing with a safety driver since 2014. However, the company has yet to apply for permits necessary for driverless testing or deployment.
In contrast, the process in Arizona is less complex, although it still requires navigating certain steps. Arizona law mandates that autonomous vehicle companies undergo a self-certification process for testing with or without a driver.
It’s important to note that completing the self-certification process does not automatically grant permission to operate a paid robotaxi service. Any company wishing to provide ride-hailing services, whether human-driven or autonomous, must apply for a Transportation Network Company permit.
Waymo, a competitor in the autonomous vehicle space, currently operates a driverless robotaxi service across approximately 315 square miles of the Metro Phoenix area, including downtown and surrounding cities. Recently, Waymo introduced a program allowing teenagers, with parental consent, to hail robotaxis in Phoenix.
Waymo has secured the necessary AV and TNC permits in Arizona and has also obtained permits to operate a robotaxi service in various locations in California, including Los Angeles and the Bay Area. The company has even partnered with ride-hailing services to expand its reach in cities like Austin and Atlanta.