Tesla’s June Catch-Up: Robotaxi Launch, European Sales Drop & New Models

In June 2025, Tesla remains at the forefront of EV headlines. From launching its first robotaxi in Austin to plummeting sales in Europe and executive shakeups, the company is at a pivotal moment.

1. Robotaxi Debuts Amid Technical Hiccups

On June 22, 2025, Tesla rolled out a pilot Robotaxi service in Austin using Model Y vehicles with an in-ride human safety monitor and a flat fare of $4.20 . Despite early enthusiasm, public tests revealed issues: wrong lane entry, sudden stops, and unsafe drop-offs . Regulatory scrutiny from NHTSA and safety experts suggests Tesla still has significant hurdles before scaling to millions of autonomous vehicles .

2. European Sales Collapse

ACEA data shows a 28–45 % drop in Tesla sales across Europe over recent months, coinciding with strong growth from Chinese EVs and legacy automakers . May alone saw a 27.9 % year-over-year drop for Tesla, while overall EV sales climbed 27.2 % . This underscores the urgent need for refreshed models and more affordable offerings.

3. Executive Exit & Stock Slide

Key executive Omead Ashfar, close to Elon Musk and overseeing European and North American operations, has left amid weakening demand and social controversies . Concurrently, Tesla stock dropped 3.8% to $327.55, 33 % below its yearly high, even as investors remain hopeful about the autonomous future.

4. New Models & Software Overhaul

Tesla plans a low-cost model, possibly under $30 000, set to begin production in June 2025 . The Model S/X is slated for a 2025 refresh , while the updated Model Y ("Juniper") features LED lightbars, seven-seat option, and improved suspension .

FSD software 2025.14.9 brings native AI inputs, lower latency, dynamic routing, and better parking & collision avoidance .

5. Interesting Facts

• Robotaxi service limited to early hours (6–12 AM) and includes in-car safety monitor .

• Tesla’s system uses only cameras and AI—no radar or lidar—unlike competitors such as Waymo ..

• The Dojo supercomputer underpins FSD training by processing massive real-world video datasets .

• Future “Cybercab” robotaxi is in development for 2027 with no steering wheel or pedals .

6. Industry Opinions

• Analysts: Bullish on robo-taxi potential if scaled, seeing strong per-vehicle revenue.

• Critics: Flag current safety issues and reputational risks .

• EV experts: Await affordable model rollout, hedge bets on clear pricing and transparency .

Conclusion

Tesla is navigating a critical crossroads: robotaxi rollout signals a new era, yet European sales erosion and safety concerns demand swift solutions. Innovation in hardware and software continues, but market pressures require agile strategy.