Tesla is already trying to expand its robotaxi service to Arizona
Tesla has formally applied to test and operate its autonomous vehicles in Arizona, signaling a significant push to extend its nascent robotaxi service into the bustling Metro Phoenix area. This move was confirmed by the state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) to TechCrunch, highlighting the company’s ambition to rapidly scale its self-driving operations beyond its initial Austin pilot.
The electric vehicle giant initiated the certification process by contacting the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) under the Arizona Department of Transportation on June 26. Tesla, which just last month rolled out a limited robotaxi service in South Austin, expressed keen interest in launching operations within the expansive Phoenix Metro area, as stated by the department.
Tesla’s application encompasses both testing and operating autonomous vehicles with a human safety driver, as well as testing and operating entirely without a driver. A decision from the Arizona DOT MVD is anticipated by the end of the current month. The application’s existence was first brought to public attention by Tesla influencer Sawyer Merritt on Thursday.
The outreach from Tesla came via Casey Blaine, the company’s senior regulatory counsel. Blaine has already engaged in preliminary virtual meetings with Arizona’s DOT and its Commerce Authority, according to emails obtained by TechCrunch through a records request. These conversations are in their initial stages, with Blaine reportedly requesting an introduction to Maricopa County government and law enforcement officials, a crucial step before any potential service launch.
This expansion effort follows Elon Musk’s recent statements on his social media platform X, where he indicated plans to broaden the Austin robotaxi service further into the city soon. Musk also mentioned that Tesla is awaiting regulatory approvals to launch robotaxis in the Bay Area, which he projected could happen within a “month or two.”
However, Tesla’s aggressive robotaxi ambitions may face varying regulatory landscapes. Arizona, California, and Texas—all target states for Musk’s self-driving dreams—each present distinct requirements for autonomous vehicle operations. For instance, California mandates a series of permits from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for testing and deployment, along with permits from the California Public Utilities Commission for operating a ride-hailing service. A California DMV spokesperson noted that Tesla has held a public road testing permit with a safety driver since 2014, but has yet to apply for driverless testing or deployment permits.
In contrast, Arizona’s process, while still involving necessary steps, is generally less arduous. The state’s statute outlines a self-certification process for autonomous vehicle companies, applicable for both testing with or without a driver, as detailed on the ADOT website. It’s important to note that this self-certification doesn’t automatically grant permission to charge for rides; any company aiming to operate a ride-hailing service, regardless of driver type, must also secure a Transportation Network Company permit.
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle pioneer, already operates a fully driverless robotaxi service across approximately 315 square miles of the Metro Phoenix area, covering downtown, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, parts of Mesa, and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Waymo holds all the necessary AV and TNC permits in Arizona. The company has also successfully deployed and operates robotaxi services in Los Angeles and various Silicon Valley cities in California, and maintains partnerships with Uber for robotaxi services in Austin and Atlanta.
Tesla’s strategic move into Arizona signals its determination to accelerate the deployment of its robotaxi service, mirroring the expansion of established players like Waymo. The outcome of its Arizona application will be a key indicator of its progress in navigating the complex regulatory environment of autonomous transportation.
