Following the successful launch of Robotaxi on Sunday, June 22nd, Tesla has entered the next phase of its rollout. The company has initiated a second, larger wave of invites, broadening the early access program to more members of the Tesla community across the United States. This expansion moves beyond the initial group of approximately 20 users who received access during the launch event.
With the initial launch being a tightly controlled event, access was limited to a carefully selected group of influencers. While this strategy was effective for generating initial buzz and collecting feedback from high-quality testers, it posed logistical challenges. The limited number of authorized riders and vehicles meant that demand for rides would soon dwindle as influencers returned home. Without a public release, Tesla's Robotaxi fleet risked idling, unable to gather the essential data needed for improvement.
To enhance the Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities of Robotaxi, Tesla requires its vehicles to navigate real-world scenarios continuously, encountering various edge cases and logging miles. Therefore, the second wave of invites is crucial for ensuring that the Robotaxis remain operational and able to learn from their environments.
This new wave of invites does not yet open the doors to the general public. Instead, Tesla is methodically rolling out access to trusted community members who are already familiar with the brand. This strategy allows Tesla to gradually scale up the program, increasing the number of users and diversifying ride requests without overwhelming the initial fleet of about 10 vehicles. Future phases may include inviting Tesla owners in Austin, which would facilitate a steady flow of rides and pave the way for a public launch.
The expansion of the early access program indicates that Tesla is confident in the progress made thus far. Although Tesla can collect ample data from Austin through FSD users, it is essential to continue testing features unique to the Robotaxi, such as the dedicated Robotaxi app, customer support, and remote vehicle control functionalities. While a full launch may still be months away, this methodical approach suggests that more users will gain access to the Robotaxi network in the coming weeks.
In related news, Tesla has seen the departure of Omead Afshar, previously known as Elon Musk's "Fixer" and Head of Operations for North America and Europe. Reports from Forbes and Bloomberg indicate that his exit may have been either a termination or a voluntary decision. This departure is part of a broader trend, as it marks the second high-profile exit from Tesla this month, following the departure of Milan Kovac, lead of the Optimus project.
These changes come at a time when Tesla is undergoing significant transformation, shifting from being the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer to positioning itself as a leader in AI and robotics. This transition, long foreshadowed by Elon Musk's vision for autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots, presents immense challenges in the realm of real-world AI.
Two primary narratives have emerged regarding Afshar's departure, each presenting a starkly different perspective. The first, supported by Forbes, suggests that he is a casualty of Tesla's ongoing sales issues. After experiencing a decline in sales for five consecutive months in Europe and a drop in the U.S., the second quarter of 2025 has posed significant challenges for Tesla. Afshar's exit could be a move to showcase accountability for the performance drop of the core business he managed.
The second narrative portrays his departure as a reflection of a "mission accomplished." Just days before leaving, Afshar celebrated the successful launch of the Robotaxi Network on social media. This has led to speculation that his exit may have been pre-planned, possibly linked to compensation and allowing him to leave after contributing to a major project.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding Afshar’s departure, it highlights a more significant challenge within Tesla: the struggle to balance its dual identity as both a manufacturing powerhouse and an AI innovator. While Tesla is recognized for producing the world’s best-selling electric vehicles, it faces intense competition and challenges in brand perception.
Simultaneously, Tesla is committed to advancing AI technology, making substantial investments in robotics and AI capabilities. The recent turnover among executives underscores the pressures faced by Tesla's leadership as they navigate this complex landscape. The exit of Milan Kovac suggests strain on the company's robotics ambitions, while Afshar's departure points to pressures within the automotive sector amidst flattening growth.
The question remains: What is Tesla, really? Is it primarily an AI and Robotics company? Or is it still fundamentally an EV manufacturer? The answer is complex. Tesla is transitioning beyond being just an EV company, moving towards becoming a leader in AI and robotics. However, this transition has presented conflicting messages to the public. Recent updates on the refreshed Model Y were overshadowed by the buzz surrounding Robotaxi, which may take years to become a significant revenue source.
Ultimately, Omead Afshar's departure signifies more than a mere personnel change; it reflects Tesla's navigation of a pivotal transitional phase. The abrupt nature of his exit, coupled with his removal from internal directories, hints at deeper issues. Whether his departure was a result of declining sales or a strategic exit following the Robotaxi launch, it underscores the challenges faced by a company straddling two distinct identities.
As Tesla attempts to excel in both the competitive automotive market and the burgeoning field of AI, the path ahead may involve further changes. A key leader focused on the core business has left, and the company is poised for a transformative journey into the future of autonomous vehicles and robotics.
In addition to the leadership changes, Tesla’s Project Halo has introduced some intriguing hardware modifications not present in consumer vehicles. Among these upgrades is a simple, flat bar located under the rear trunk of the Robotaxi Model Ys. While the purpose of this new bar remains uncertain, speculation abounds within the community.
The most compelling theory suggests that this bar is related to future wireless charging capabilities. For a Robotaxi network to operate efficiently, autonomous processes for cleaning and charging vehicles are essential. Relying on human intervention introduces logistical bottlenecks. Wireless inductive charging could revolutionize this aspect, allowing vehicles to charge autonomously by parking over designated pads.
This metal bar could serve as a testing ground for wireless charging technology, enabling Tesla to explore options without committing to a comprehensive redesign. Tesla's acquisition of Wiferion, a company specializing in inductive charging, supports this theory, as the company has been developing technology to facilitate wireless charging for Robotaxi.
While various theories have circulated, many fall short under scrutiny. Suggestions of underbody protection are unlikely, as the bar's position does not adequately shield critical components such as the high-voltage battery. Additionally, protective measures are typically integrated into the vehicle's design through Gigacasting.
Other theories, such as the idea of a camera spray shield or an aerodynamic component, also lack merit. The bar's placement and design do not align with the intended functions of these features.
Considering the logistical challenges of managing a large-scale autonomous vehicle fleet, wireless charging stands out as a natural solution. This simple metal bar likely represents a preparatory measure for testing wireless charging capabilities in the future. As Tesla continues to innovate and navigate its evolving identity, the introduction of new technologies will play a crucial role in shaping the future of its Robotaxi network. If you have other theories regarding this development, we encourage you to share your thoughts on social media.
