In the robotaxi space, where a first-mover advantage can make or break the competition, this step could be massive as Tesla moves from talking about the future to building it. Tesla’s robotaxi ambitions began in Texas back in late June, when it launched a paid, invitation-only pilot in Austin.

Tesla Inc. has been granted a rideshare license in Texas, paving the way for the electric-vehicle maker to operate its robotaxi service under new regulations governing autonomous vehicles in the state.