Former Waymo CEO questions Tesla's robotaxi claims

In the recent context of autonomous vehicle development, John Krafcik, the former CEO of Waymo, has publicly criticized Elon Musk's claims regarding Tesla's Robotaxi service. Since launching in July 2025 in the San Francisco Bay Area as a chauffeur service that includes human drivers, the service has prompted substantial debate among industry experts about its classification. Krafcik pointed out that even with human monitors present in the vehicles, Tesla's offering does not align with the traditional concept of a robotaxi as there is still a driver involved in the process. Tesla’s current model, which still requires a human safety monitor, emphasized the confusion in defining autonomous vehicles accurately. While Waymo has been offering fully driverless rides in various cities, including Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Austin since late 2020, Tesla's approach is still developing its autonomous capabilities. Krafcik highlighted the challenges involved in achieving a true Level 4 or 5 autonomous vehicle, which would require no human intervention whatsoever under specified conditions. This ongoing discourse in the industry reflects a broader challenge among companies trying to define the boundaries and classifications of autonomous vehicles. Krafcik recounted that in Waymo's initial offerings, which began in 2017, the company never referred to their service as a robotaxi while introducing human drivers alongside autonomous technology. This approach mirrors the early stage of Tesla's current service, raising questions on the credibility and readiness of Tesla's claims. Ultimately, Krafcik's remarks serve as a notable critique of the current landscape of autonomous vehicle services, emphasizing a need for a clearer understanding of definitions and developments in this rapidly evolving industry. As Tesla navigates regulatory environments to gain the necessary permits for fully autonomous operation without a driver behind the wheel, the ongoing skepticism surrounding its Robotaxi claims could have crucial implications for its market perception and technological advancement.