Tesla's Robotaxi Quest Faces Scrutiny Over Safety Concerns

U.S. auto safety investigators are questioning Tesla about its planned robotaxi service launch in Austin. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's inquiry seeks to understand the system's capability to handle poor weather. This scrutiny ties into existing investigations into Tesla's self-driving technology performance under reduced visibility conditions.

U.S. auto safety investigators have raised questions regarding Tesla's plans to launch a paid robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, as early as June. The inquiry focuses on how the service will perform in adverse weather conditions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) disclosed a letter on Monday emphasizing an ongoing investigation into Tesla's Full-Self Driving technology and its performance during reduced roadway visibility.

The NHTSA is seeking more detailed information from Tesla to evaluate whether its system can appropriately handle conditions of diminished visibility on the roads.

(With inputs from agencies.)