American billionaire and activist Dan O`Dowd has criticized Elon Musk`s Tesla self-driving taxi, labeling it “not real.” His statement was published on the social media platform X.
This criticism follows Tesla`s recent limited launch of a robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. The initial fixed fare for early trips was set at $4.20 (approximately 350 rubles). According to O`Dowd, on the very first day of operation, one self-driving vehicle carrying passengers drove into the oncoming traffic lane, and another robotaxi performed a dangerous maneuver near a police car.
“Tesla cultists are celebrating victory,” O`Dowd stated. He added, “But Tesla is not even close to achieving what Waymo achieved five years ago.” He suggested that competitors have approached the launch of robotic taxi services with greater responsibility.
The billionaire further claimed that Musk`s robotaxis committed at least two critical errors after driving less than 1000 kilometers. He highlighted that only 14 Tesla vehicles are currently operating on Austin streets. “This is not a real robotic taxi,” the activist concluded emphatically.
This isn`t the first time O`Dowd has been critical of Tesla`s autonomous vehicles. In August 2022, activists from his project Dawn conducted a series of tests with Tesla cars, alleging that vehicles with autopilot engaged failed to detect and react to children on public roads.
