Researcher Maps Where Tesla Robotaxis Can Actually Pick Up Passengers

Tesla’s Robotaxi service areas in Texas are not as large as advertised, according to new mapping by researcher Koby Pierce. The mapping shows that the actual pickup and dropoff areas are smaller than the advertised boundaries, with Austin’s geofence being approximately 41% smaller than claimed. The population coverage is higher than the land area coverage, indicating that the service is focused on densely populated areas. The study also highlights that Dallas has a more favorable geofence, covering 78% of the advertised land area and 89% of residents.

• The study found that the actual service area is often larger than the land area, reflecting population density rather than geographic size.
• The mapping reveals that Tesla is avoiding certain railroad corridors in Houston, which may affect service availability.
• The research suggests that Tesla is expanding its service areas in a way that prioritizes population density over geographic size.
• Pierce is developing a website to allow users to check specific addresses and explore service boundaries.
• The study is part of a broader effort to understand how Tesla launches new cities and expands its Robotaxi service.

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