Tesla's Robotaxis Are Different From the Model Y Available for Purchase | Carscoops

      The cameras receive increased focus, and the entire vehicle is equipped with double the telecommunications units, just to ensure safety.

       June 26, 2025, at 20:30

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Stephen Rivers

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Tesla's Robotaxis are part of a safety modification program for Model Ys.

      The initial fleet consists solely of these enhanced crossovers that come with additional features.

      This stands in contrast to Musk's assertion that they are identical to the electric vehicles available to the general public.

      Tesla has officially ventured into the robotaxi service, but with its own unique approach. As of now, the service is very limited; it includes a silent Tesla employee in every front passenger seat and features Model Ys that have been discretely modified. While it may not be exactly what one might expect, it remains intriguing.

      

      

      Elon Musk has repeatedly stated that the Model Ys being used in the Robotaxi service are the same as those available for purchase by the public. However, a recent report reveals that this is not entirely accurate, and no, it does not seem that the Robotaxis have a brake integrated into the front passenger handle. What they do have is an additional set of safety features.

      More: Tesla’s Robotaxi Was Caught Making A Turn It Immediately Regretted

      As per Business Insider, Tesla operates a program called Halo that modifies these vehicles. Every autonomous car is equipped with self-cleaning cameras and added protection for the cameras to prevent damage. Furthermore, they possess not just one, but two telecommunications units installed in the car, each providing precise GPS data and allowing Tesla’s remote operators to take control if necessary. However, it is important to note that these enhancements are not particularly unusual.

      

      

      Tesla’s system depends heavily on the clarity of the cameras, making it crucial to ensure that the lenses are secure, clean, and functioning optimally. Additionally, the standard Model Y is already fitted with a telecommunications unit, so in this scenario, Tesla is merely providing a backup, likely to enhance reliability in case one unit fails.

      

      That's a rap! Over the last 36 hours, I've completed 20 @Tesla Robotaxi rides and covered 92 miles. No interventions, no significant safety concerns. All my rides were smooth and pleasant. Thank you, Tesla, for allowing me to participate in this experience—and congratulations to the… pic.twitter.com/VNpSUVMuz6— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) June 24, 2025

      It will be intriguing to observe how public sentiment develops regarding this issue. Will people commend Musk for implementing additional safety measures in the robotaxi program, or will they reprimand him for not being entirely truthful when he claimed these vehicles were the same as those available to the public?

      Regardless of perceptions, does it truly matter? What is significant is that those who ride in a Tesla Robotaxi can feel reassured knowing that these vehicles are equipped with enhanced safety features. Furthermore, it wouldn’t be surprising if, in the near future, these features are included in Model Ys available for purchase.

      

      👀What an interesting encounter. A Waymo ended up in the wrong lane, and a Tesla Robotaxi managed it like a pro. There likely won’t be any headlines about this from mainstream media, of course. pic.twitter.com/I1Qw2GsIFj

      

       — TESLARATI (@Teslarati) June 26, 2025