Tesla widens Houston robotaxi zone eight to ten times larger

Tesla expanded its Houston Robotaxi service area from its original northwestern Houston zone southeast toward downtown and Bellaire, with estimates suggesting the new boundary covers roughly eight to ten times as much area. The map’s rocket-like shape, paired with Tesla’s “Houston, we have liftoff” announcement, prompted speculation about a SpaceX reference amid merger discussions, though Elon Musk said the resemblance was coincidental. The expansion gives riders access to more of the city, but the fleet remains small: one tracker counted 34 unsupervised Model Ys, and Cybercabs are not yet serving public rides in Houston. The service launched in April 2026, and the expanded coverage follows months in which Houston’s operating area had changed little.