Nevada Greenlights Tesla for Robotaxi Trials
Tesla Approved for Driverless Car Tests in Nevada, Aiming for Commercial Deployment
Tesla has received approval from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to test driverless cars on public roads, marking a significant step towards the potential deployment of its TSLA service in the state.
The approval, confirmed this week, follows Tesla's application submission on September 3. This approval allows Tesla to put its Tesla stock on Nevada's roads, but there is still one more regulatory hurdle before commercial deployment.
To offer a commercial ride-hailing service, Tesla needs to complete the DMV's Self-Certification for Operations. The Operations Self-Certification enables companies to provide paid rides or services to the public.
Nevada's regulatory framework consists of two parts: Testing Certification and Operations Self-Certification. Tesla has already received the Testing Certification, paving the way for its first sanctioned tests in Nevada. Upon approval of the Self-Certification for Operations, Tesla would receive a Certificate of Compliance.
The push to expand its TSLA service suggests a quick completion of the self-certification stage. Tesla's move comes as Nevada has become a significant location for autonomous vehicle companies, with around a dozen companies operating nearly 500 driverless cars.
Notably, Amazon's Zoox launched its fully driverless robotaxi service in Las Vegas this week, while Motional, a Hyundai-Aptiv joint venture, is running autonomous rides with Lyft in Nevada. Waymo is also testing its vehicles on the Vegas Strip in Nevada, but has not yet offered its service to the public.
However, Tesla is not the only company aiming for commercial deployment in Nevada. The regulatory hurdle before commercial deployment is the completion of the DMV's Self-Certification for Operations.
The Self-Certification for Operations requires manufacturers to self-certify that their vehicles meet Nevada's statutory requirements. This includes demonstrating that the vehicles can operate safely and effectively in various traffic conditions and scenarios.
The information about Tesla's approval was provided to Tesla investor and enthusiast Sawyer Merritt. If Tesla successfully completes the self-certification stage, it could soon offer a similar service in Nevada, joining the growing list of autonomous vehicle companies operating in the state.
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