--- title: "Tesla Robotaxis Now Testing Without Safety Drivers: TDS" date: "2025-12-15" modified: "2025-12-15" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/tesla-robotaxis-now-testing-without-safety-drivers-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Tesla Robotaxis Now Testing Without Safety Drivers: TDS ![Tesla Model Y Robotaxi]() *\Tesla\* Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Short, snappy, and succinct, *TDS* gathers the latest automotive news from around the world and places it in one spot. Stories are summarized with a single sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. The first cup of coffee is gone and I'm onto the second so let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: Spent a frigid, sub-zero weekend with the 2026 Lucid Air without issue and took great delight in opening the app, turning on the car while it was plugged in, warming the cabin, turning on my butt heater and heated steering wheel all while the garage was closed and then eventually sliding into a warm car to pull outside in the crisp Minnesota winter air. The future is going to be lovely. πŸš• Someone spotted a Tesla Robotaxi in Austin, Texas driving down the road without a human inside; Tesla CEO Elon Musk [confirmed on X.com that "testing is underway with no occupants in the car,"]() though this is despite the fact that multiple crashes have taken place with Tesla Robotaxis since launching in July with human safety monitors onboard with an emergency kill switch. ✍️ Over a week after the fact [Jaguar Land Rover has said it did in fact not fire Gerry McGovern](), who serves as the automaker's head of design and is in charge of the controversial Jaguar EV concept's design. πŸ”Œ The eight automakers backing the Ionna high-speed EV charging network said that despite slowing consumer interest in EVs the[ need for high-quality reliable chargers remains]() and the company's efforts to buildout a nationwide network will continue. ❄️ Jeep celebrated 85 years of continuous production of the Wrangler with the [Whitecap special edition]() with snowy details added to bright body colors on Rubicon X, Rubicon, and Sahara models. ⛽️ Porsche is reportedly [reverse engineering the electric 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman EVs to fit g]()[a]()[s engines]() in a complete reversal from the automaker's original product plans for the next-gen sports cars. πŸš– Volkswagen is now [testing its Tesla Robotaxi rival]() on the streets of Wolfsburg. πŸ”‹ The [electric Volkswagen ID. Polo]() debuted as a 260-mile sub-$30,000 EV for the masses, though it's unlikely to arrive in the U.S. market. πŸ“± Volvo's software update for older 2020 and newer models that was to bring the automaker's latest Google-based infotainment system interface to previous models this year [has been delayed to early next year](). *Have feedback on the formatting of TDS? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()