In a surprise announcement, Elon Musk revealed that Tesla is planning to launch a self-driving ride-hailing service in California and Texas by 2025, with the goal of expanding to other states by the end of next year. The service, which has been secretly tested by Tesla employees in the Bay Area, would allow users to hail autonomous Tesla vehicles, marking a significant milestone in the company's pursuit of fully autonomous driving.

While Musk's promise is ambitious, it's worth noting that Tesla's current Full Self-Driving software is still considered an advanced driver assistance system, requiring human intervention. The company would need to overcome regulatory hurdles, including approval from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, to launch the service.

This development is significant for the tech and startup community, as it signals Tesla's commitment to autonomous driving and its potential to disrupt the ride-hailing industry. However, it also raises questions about the company's ability to deliver on its promises, given its history of overpromising on autonomous driving capabilities.