Elon Musk Unveils Unique Texas Map Design for Latest Business Expansion

Elon Musk’s Tesla Robotaxi Map Sparks Social Media Laughter—and Criticism
[Image: Tesla’s updated Robotaxi map in Austin, Texas, highlighted in a phallic shape.]

Elon Musk’s Tesla has stirred social media buzz—and eye-rolls—with its latest Robotaxi service map in Austin, Texas. The updated coverage zone, expanding the self-driving taxi’s operational area, resembles a phallic shape, prompting users to accuse Musk of trolling critics. The CEO shared the map on X without comment, but followers quickly noted its suggestive design.

“That’s one way to penetrate the market,” one user quipped, while another joked, “Autonomous driving is hard. Rock hard.” Critics called the move juvenile, with one posting, “Not every thought needs to be shared.” Others linked the stunt to Tesla’s recent struggles, including slumping sales and a reported $270 billion drop in market value tied to Musk’s political ties and public feuds.

Controversial Fare and Rocky Launch
[Image: A Tesla Robotaxi in Austin with a "$4.20" fare displayed on its screen.]

Tesla’s Robotaxi service, which launched in June with a small geofenced zone, charges a flat rate of $4.20—a number many tied to Musk’s past marijuana references. In 2018, Musk smoked weed on Joe Rogan’s podcast, causing Tesla’s stock to plummet 9%. While the fare amused some, the service’s debut faced technical issues. Passengers reported cars braking abruptly, stopping in intersections, and even driving on the wrong side of the road during test rides.

Expansion Plans and Regulatory Hurdles
[Image: Musk and Tesla team celebrating Robotaxi’s launch despite early glitches.]

Despite early hiccups, Musk confirmed plans to expand Robotaxi to San Francisco by September, pending regulatory approval. This pits Tesla against Alphabet’s Waymo, the current leader in self-driving taxis. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating incidents from the Texas launch. Tesla has reportedly asked regulators to keep findings confidential, citing “business secrets.”

[Image: Map overlay comparing June’s service zone and July’s expanded “shaft-like” addition.]

Musk’s critics argue the stunt-driven controversies risk overshadowing Tesla’s innovations. Yet supporters see the map’s viral moment as classic Musk—mixing audacity with a wink. Whether the publicity helps or hinders Robotaxi’s future remains to be seen.

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