On August 13, foreign media reported that Tesla is hiring staff in New York City to test its driver-assistance technology, a move that could signal the company's ambition to expand its ride-hailing service into the largest metropolitan area in the United States. Recent job postings from Tesla's Autopilot department reveal a search for a full-time driver to operate prototype vehicles and gather 8 hours of data daily in Queens, with an hourly wage potentially surpassing $30. Applicants for this position must be well-versed in autonomous driving systems.

Tesla has previously launched a limited pilot program for its robotaxi service in Austin, with plans to expand nationwide. More recently, the company has initiated partial ride-hailing operations in San Francisco, with human safety monitors positioned in the driver's seat, and intends to extend this service to Nevada, Arizona, and other locations. While the new job postings do not explicitly link to the robotaxi business, data collection is typically a pivotal step in the launch of autonomous ride-hailing services, hinting at a possible entry into New York's competitive ride-hailing market.