Inbizzy – Tesla is moving forward with its autonomous driving ambitions by targeting Phoenix, Arizona, as its next strategic location for Robotaxi deployment. The company has formally filed for certification with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) at the end of June 2025, seeking approval to operate autonomous ride-hailing services with and without safety drivers.
According to a Reuters report, Arizona authorities are expected to issue a decision by the end of July 2025, potentially clearing the way for Tesla to publicly launch its Robotaxi program in the Phoenix metro area.
Why Phoenix?
As reported by Business Insider, Tesla selected Phoenix due to Arizona’s favorable regulatory climate for autonomous vehicles. The state has a long-standing history of welcoming AV testing and deployments, making it a logical choice for Tesla to accelerate real-world validation of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology.
Phoenix would be the next major city after Austin, Texas, where Tesla began limited Robotaxi operations in June using 10-20 Model Y vehicles, each supervised by a safety driver. The Arizona rollout is expected to follow a similar staged approach.
Business Insider further notes that Tesla’s application covers both commercial and non-commercial operation, indicating the company’s intent to launch a full-scale service once regulatory approvals are in place.
Self-Certification to Follow
If approved, Tesla is expected to initiate testing in Phoenix with safety drivers before transitioning to a fully driverless mode. The company will proceed with self-certification, affirming that its autonomous system meets all applicable safety standards set by state and federal authorities.
This progressive deployment strategy reflects Tesla’s broader mission to build public and regulatory trust in its autonomous platform while proving the capabilities of its FSD system in real-world urban environments.
Key Facts: Tesla Robotaxi in Phoenix
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Service Type | Robotaxi (with & without safety drivers) |
| Vehicle Model | Tesla Model Y with Full Self-Driving (FSD) |
| Certification Status | Filed with ADOT in late June 2025 |
| Decision Expected | Late July 2025 |
| Next Steps | Pilot launch → self-certification → full commercial rollout |
With a tech-friendly environment and growing urban infrastructure, Phoenix is poised to become a key milestone in Tesla’s Robotaxi roadmap. Should approval be granted, this will mark a significant step forward in the company’s mission to redefine transportation through autonomous mobility.
