Tesla Extends Austin Robotaxi Hours to 11 PM Amid Nighttime Safety Concerns

Key points

• Tesla extended Robotaxi hours in Austin from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., with 24/7 operations targeted for this month alongside FSD v15.
• The Austin Cybercab fleet grew from 58 to 169 vehicles in recent weeks, with 43 added between October 1 and 2.
• Elon Musk stated that avoiding 'grey kittens on grey tarmac' is the main challenge for nighttime autonomous driving.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Tesla's camera-only system for hazard detection in poor visibility.
• The EU is voting on October 6 on bloc-wide approval of Tesla's FSD Supervised software, which uses the same camera technology.

Background

Tesla launched its steering-wheel-free Cybercab service in Austin in June 2025, initially operating from 6 a.m. to midnight. The service has expanded gradually, with Houston and Dallas already offering unsupervised Model Y robotaxi rides. Previous coverage noted that the Cybercab rollout was cautious, focusing on geofenced operation and safety, while competitors like Waymo use lidar and radar for 24/7 service.

How outlets are covering it

Not a Tesla App and Business Insider reported on the hour extension and fleet growth, with Musk emphasizing caution in autonomous safety. The Verge and The Next Web criticized Tesla's camera-only approach, arguing that lidar and radar would solve the nighttime visibility issue. The Next Web also noted that the EU is voting on Tesla's FSD Supervised software, which uses the same cameras, and highlighted past fatal crashes in the dark. Business Insider noted that Waymo uses lidar, while Tesla relies on camera vision and AI-assisted photon counting.

Why it matters

The extension of hours and fleet growth signal Tesla's progress toward 24/7 robotaxi service, but the reliance on camera-only technology raises safety concerns, especially at night. The EU vote on FSD Supervised could impact Tesla's global expansion, and the NHTSA investigation may lead to regulatory changes for autonomous vehicles.

What to watch

Watch for further hour extensions, the arrival of FSD v15, and potential expansion to a second city like Houston, Dallas, or Miami. The EU vote on October 6 will determine if Tesla's FSD Supervised software is approved across the bloc.