Tesla Robotaxi spotted in Chicago months after Waymo testing—no official launch date yet

Two Tesla Robotaxi Model Ys have appeared on Chicago streets, marking a potential unannounced expansion of the company’s autonomous fleet, according to Basenor. This sighting is significant because Chicago was never included in Tesla’s official list of upcoming launch cities for 2026.

Demanding weather tests critical tech

The vehicles are easily identified by automatic rear camera washers, a feature exclusive to Tesla’s autonomous fleet, Basenor confirmed. This hardware is vital for maintaining clean vision sensors in rain, snow, and road grime — conditions that Chicago’s brutal winters guarantee.

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According to Basenor, Tesla has been testing Robotaxis in Chicago since at least January 2026, with job listings for “Autopilot Vehicle Operators” appearing months before the Dallas and Houston launches. The company’s confirmed launch cities for 2026 include Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Las Vegas — but not Chicago.

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Miami launch shows growing progress

While Chicago remains unconfirmed, Tesla recently launched its first commercial Robotaxi service in Miami, using Model Y vehicles running Full Self-Driving software. According to Yahoo Finance, the service began Sunday and covers parts of western and central Miami, excluding downtown and Miami Beach.

This move, reported by Yahoo Finance, brings Tesla closer to Waymo, which already operates in several U.S. cities, including Miami. Waymo was spotted testing its own autonomous taxis in Chicago back in February, but hasn’t confirmed a launch in the city either. The Tesla launch signals the company’s broader strategy to build a business beyond electric vehicle sales.

Whether Chicago becomes a 2026 launch city remains uncertain. But two Robotaxi Model Ys on Michigan Avenue suggest Tesla is building confidence data before committing to a public rollout in one of America’s most demanding urban environments.