Tesla's long-awaited robotaxis rolled out for the first time on roads in Austin, Texas on Sunday. In videos shared by Tesla on X, a small group of invited analysts, influencers and shareholders were shown participating in paid rides.

These observers expressed a range of views about Tesla’s prospects but all cautioned against assuming a light-speed robotaxi rollout.Some pointed to advantages Tesla might exploit to overtake rivals including Alphabet’s Waymo and a host of Chinese auto and tech companies.

Texas enacts legislation requiring a permit to operate self-driving vehicles just before Tesla's planned launch of a robotaxi trial.