Tesla faces an existential test this month as it aims to launch self-driving “robotaxis” in its home base of Austin, Texas, where public-safety officials are increasingly concerned about the state’s anti-regulation stance toward autonomous vehicles.

The company is pinning its hopes on an autonomous taxi initiative, after shares tumble and sales slide, following Musk's political activity.

The EV maker’s CEO said the service will ‘tentatively’ start on June 22 but could shift due to safety reasons.