Tesla has expanded the geographic boundaries of its experimental robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, adding a sizable section to the city’s south side. Mapping images shared by users of the ride-hailing app on 3 August show the new perimeter stretches roughly 18 miles from its northern to southern limits. Independent tracking of the pilot indicates the autonomous-vehicle geofence is now more than four times the size it was six weeks earlier, underscoring the company’s rapid push to validate its self-driving system in real-world conditions. A test ride covering the full length of the enlarged zone lasted about an hour and cost approximately $20, suggesting Tesla is maintaining its previously disclosed pricing model even as trip distances increase. The quiet expansion positions Tesla to gather a broader set of driving data ahead of any formal commercial rollout and may prompt the addition of more vehicles to the Austin fleet. The company has not issued a public statement on the enlargement or provided a timeline for full public availability.