Tesla Launches Fully Autonomous Taxi Fleet in Tokyo

Tokyo, July 20, 2025: Tesla has officially launched its long-anticipated autonomous taxi service in Tokyo, becoming the first company to offer a fully driverless ride-hailing system in a major metropolitan area. The rollout comes after a successful 18-month trial period and regulatory greenlight from Japanese authorities.

The Tesla Robotaxi fleet—built on a modified version of the Model 3 and Model Y platforms—is equipped with Tesla’s latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) version 13.2, powered entirely by its Dojo neural network system.

How It Works

Users summon a Tesla taxi via the Tesla Mobility App
No driver present; voice-guided AI assistant welcomes passengers
End-to-end route handling including dense traffic and pedestrian crossings
Interior includes privacy modes, biometric temperature control, and smart entertainment features

Official Statements

“We believe Tokyo is the perfect environment for full autonomy—complex, dense, and dynamic. This is just the beginning.” — Elon Musk, Tesla CEO

Public Reception and Expansion Plans

Early passengers report smooth rides and impressive handling in Tokyo’s challenging urban landscape. The service is currently available in select zones such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Chiyoda, with plans to expand citywide by Q1 2026.

Japanese regulators have praised the system’s adherence to safety and precision. Other automakers, including Toyota and Honda, are expected to accelerate their own autonomous efforts in response.

Global Implications

Industry analysts call the launch a turning point for autonomous urban mobility. Tesla’s Tokyo deployment may pave the way for similar services in cities like London, Singapore, and New York—where pilot discussions are already underway.