Charlotte is about to become the next major battleground in the driverless taxi race. Tesla is launching its Robotaxi service in the Queen City, setting up a head-to-head competition with Waymo as both companies prepare to offer autonomous rides.
Tesla has begun hiring AI Safety Operators in Charlotte to support testing and data collection for its Full Self-Driving technology. The positions involve driving engineering vehicles, collecting camera and audio data, and traveling as needed.
Tesla enthusiast Michael Konen just posted photos on X of 14 Cybercabs and 14 Tesla Model Ys with ‘Cybercab’ tags:
Move over Waymo, looks like @Tesla is testing @robotaxi in Charlotte. 14 Cybercabs and 14 Model Ys with Texas plates! Sounds like employees are already driving around town testing out the service.@DillonLoomis @SawyerMerritt @JoeBrunoWSOC9 @Hunt_Saenz @CltLedger @ethanmckanna pic.twitter.com/9BsszqjWvy
— Michael Konen (@themichaelkonen) July 25, 2026
The launch comes as Waymo continues testing its own autonomous vehicles across Charlotte after months of development, creating a rare showdown between two of the world’s biggest self-driving companies.
Tesla already operates driverless Robotaxi service in Austin, Dallas and Houston, Texas, along with Miami, Orlando and Tampa, Florida. The company also has vehicles in San Francisco, where state regulations still require safety drivers behind the wheel.
