Zoox CTO Doubts Tesla Robotaxi Plans Over Safety and Hardware Gaps
Zoox co-founder Jesse Levinson dismisses Tesla's 2025 robotaxi ambitions, arguing the company lacks reliable technology and adequate hardware. He makes these claims as Zoox prepares to launch its own custom robotaxi in San Francisco and Las Vegas.
Zoox co-founder and CTO Jesse Levinson openly doubts that Tesla successfully launches a robotaxi ride-hailing service next year, stating the fundamental issue is that Tesla lacks technology that actually works. He clarifies that a true robotaxi requires a system so reliable that it operates safely without a human driver, unlike a standard driver assistance system that still requires frequent human intervention.
Levinson specifically criticizes Tesla's reliance on cameras alone, arguing that a safe robotaxi needs significantly more hardware than Tesla currently installs in its vehicles. He shares his personal experience using Tesla's Full Self-Driving software, calling it impressive but stressful because it lulls drivers into a false sense of security before suddenly making errors.
These comments arrive just weeks after Elon Musk reveals the Cybercab prototype and announces plans for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles to operate as robotaxis in California and Texas by late 2025. Meanwhile, Levinson announces that Zoox launches its own custom-built robotaxi in San Francisco and Las Vegas in the coming weeks, with an early-rider program planned for 2025.