Tesla extends Robotaxi operations until 23:00 in Austin — Electrek

Tesla has extended the operating hours of its Robotaxi service in Austin, United States, until 23:00. Previously, rides were available until 22:00. Elon Musk explained that the main obstacle to further nighttime operation is the need to avoid hitting pets, which are difficult to see in low light.

As Electrek reports, Musk gave the example of gray kittens on gray asphalt in the dark. According to him, this is the problem Tesla is trying to solve in order to extend Robotaxi's nighttime operating hours.

Service schedule in Austin

Tesla's Robotaxi service began operating in Austin in June 2025. At launch, the app accepted orders from 06:00 until midnight. According to the publication, 15 months after its launch, the service now ends operations one hour earlier than it did on its first day.

Electrek also notes that Tesla has expanded the service only slightly since launch, including despite the addition of the Cybercab a month earlier.

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Cameras and other sensors

In the context of Robotaxi, Tesla relies on cameras. Cameras depend on reflected light and contrast between an object and the background, so low-contrast objects on the road at night may be more difficult to recognize.

Lidar uses laser pulses to determine the distance and shape of objects, while radar operates using radio waves and can also determine speed. Electrek points out that Waymo, whose autonomous vehicles operate around the clock, uses cameras, lidars and radars.

Tesla removed radars from its vehicles in May 2021 and ultrasonic sensors in 2022. The company has not produced vehicles with lidar. Musk has repeatedly criticized the use of lidar in autonomous driving systems.