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Investigating the Tesla Robotaxi!

2025-08-08 Science & Technology
2.9m
84.5k
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Marques Brownlee
Marques Brownlee
21.0m subscribers

Comparison Test: Tesla Robotaxi vs. Waymo Passenger Experience in Austin

Discover the immediate differences in passenger experience, technological approach, and perceived maturity between Tesla's new robotaxis and established Waymo rides today.

Short Summary

  • Waymo offers a more mature passenger experience, featuring dedicated app functions and no mandatory onboard human monitor.
  • Tesla Robotaxis utilize standard Model Ys, relying on an explicit safety monitor positioned in the front seat.
  • Both technologies show impressive capabilities in limited geofenced zones but reveal distinct scaling strategies and edge-case behaviors.

This report evaluates the current state of two leading autonomous taxi services by taking multiple rides on both platforms in Austin, Texas. The analysis focuses sharply on user interface design, vehicle software integration, driving demeanor, and the required hardware/personnel that defines each company's short-term scaling plan.

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Description

I flew to Texas to take a bunch of Tesla Robotaxi and Waymo rides. Here's what I found MKBHD Merch: http://shop.MKBHD.com Playlist of MKBHD Intro music: https://goo.gl/B3AWV5 ~ http://twitter.com/MKBHD http://instagram.com/MKBHD http://facebook.com/MKBHD

Top Comments (10)

@reversal 2025-08-08

2:26 Interesting map 😏

20.7k 304 replies
@Tsukki-sf8mw 2025-08-09

2:52 u can't tell me if they make that map shape not on purpose 😂

8.9k 49 replies
@techfaux 2025-08-09

2:52 such a good map design

7.5k 17 replies
@thedreaming6446 2025-08-08

2:51 So, we're going to ignore the shape of the map? Okay, carry on.

5.6k 30 replies
@IntegerNumber 2025-08-09

2:53 The team really put a lot of thought into the geofence...

4.1k 17 replies
@cmeves 2025-08-09

Living in LA, Waymo is EVERYWHERE. I just use the Waymo app and let me tell you, I NEVER take Uber now. Waymo is as nice as an Uber Black, at UberX prices and drives perfectly and surprisingly aggressive. To sit all alone in the car without the fear of a super talkative driver, be able to blast your own music, get on calls, watch videos, just relax... it's a dream. Had it drive from Marina Del Rey to Beverly Hills with my friends and we all had "sodas" in our hands blasting music, the best.

3.1k 103 replies
@FerociousPancake888 2025-08-09

Makes unbiased detailed review of both robo taxi and waymo..... includes relevant criticisms and praises of both...... everyone else: "THE MAP! LOOK AT THE MAP!"

2.4k 18 replies
@7minutesdead 2025-08-11

So cool that Tesla robotaxis come with a genuine awkward monotone engineer in the front seat.

1.3k 20 replies
@BrodyRuns 2025-08-14

We use Waymo at least 2-3 times a week here in SF. It's really impressive. It'll even honk at cars if they're backing up and getting close to it.

271 4 replies
@WalrusRiderEntertainment 2025-08-26

Elon totally designed that geofencing map

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