Elon Musk's Flex: Tesla's Self-Driving Taxis Cruise as Waymo's Freeze During SF Power Outage!

On December 20, 2025, San Francisco experienced a significant power outage that disrupted various aspects of city life, revealing both vulnerabilities and resilience in modern autonomous vehicle technology. The blackout impacted approximately 130,000 customers, leading to traffic chaos as major intersections lost functionality. Consequently, this outage tested the reliability of autonomous vehicles operating under such conditions, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by systems that heavily depend on infrastructure signals. As noted in this report, the incident served as a natural experiment in autonomous driving, contrasting the capabilities of different technologies under stress conditions.

The power outage in San Francisco illuminated critical aspects of autonomous vehicle technology, particularly the reliability of Waymo's driverless vehicles, which found themselves stranded at intersections without functioning traffic lights. Emergency hazard lights flashed, and passengers were left confused and without direction. This incident, captured vividly on social media, demonstrated Waymo's vulnerability to signal-dependent navigation systems in urban environments. Conversely, Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology appeared unaffected by the outage, as CEO Elon Musk touted on X. Tesla's reliance on a vision-based system allowed it to navigate the unlit streets of San Francisco, operating with a resilience that eluded Waymo's lidar and radar-dependent vehicles. This divergence in performance raises crucial questions about the future of autonomous driving technology and its dependence on external infrastructure.

The challenges faced by Waymo's autonomous vehicle technology were prominently highlighted during the major power outage in San Francisco on December 20, 2025. The outage affected approximately 130,000 customers, causing traffic chaos as it rendered traffic lights non-operational. Without the guidance of traffic signals, Waymo's driverless vehicles were observed coming to a complete halt at intersections, as they are programmed to prioritize safety and prevent accidents. This situation led to blocked traffic and stranded passengers, which was captured and disseminated widely on social media, raising concerns about the technology's reliability in unexpected infrastructural failures. The incident ignited discussions regarding the limitations of sensor-heavy systems like Waymo's that depend significantly on infrastructure cues to navigate urban environments effectively, as noted in this report.

Waymo's reliance on lidar and radar for navigation has been both its strength and its Achilles' heel. The outage starkly exposed the system's vulnerability when key infrastructure components like traffic lights are non-functional. While Waymo's technology excels in controlled environments with clear, functioning traffic signals, its performance dips in scenarios of infrastructural collapse such as blackouts. This challenge is compounded in busy urban areas where pedestrian safety is paramount, and hesitation or inability to navigate can cause significant disruptions. This incident serves as a critical point of analysis for improving autonomous vehicle technology, particularly in developing more robust systems capable of adapting to emergency scenarios and ensuring continuity of service without compromising safety, as detailed in this article.

During the widespread power outage in San Francisco on December 20, 2025, the performance of autonomous vehicles came under scrutiny. Waymo's driverless taxis, for instance, encountered significant issues. At numerous intersections where traffic lights were non-functional, these vehicles stalled, leading to congestion and frustration among passengers and drivers alike. Reports from passengers, such as an AI engineer named Michele Riva, highlighted instances where Waymo cars simply halted amidst chaotic intersections, unable to make decisions without operational signals. In contrast, Tesla's autonomous vehicles, which rely on a vision-based Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, reportedly continued their operations unfazed during the outage. Elon Musk took to social media to boast about Tesla's resilience, suggesting that the company's technology was inherently superior in such scenarios according to reports. This incident sparked a larger discussion about the reliability of vision-based systems versus those dependent on external infrastructure like traffic lights.

Waymo and Tesla represent two contrasting approaches in the development of autonomous driving technologies. Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, is renowned for its use of lidar and radar systems combined with high-definition maps. This combination allows Waymo vehicles to interpret and navigate their surroundings with precision. However, recent events highlighted in LiveMint's report illustrate the limitations of Waymo's reference dependency when infrastructure like traffic lights fails. In contrast, Tesla's approach primarily relies on camera-based vision and end-to-end neural networks, allegedly demonstrating superior adaptability during the same blackout in San Francisco. This difference in technology manifests itself in their performance during critical incidents, where Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system reportedly continued to operate unaffected by the outage.

Recent incidents have underscored the potential role autonomous vehicles could play in infrastructure failures. A notable case occurred in San Francisco during a major power outage on December 20, 2025, when Waymo's driverless vehicles were reported to have frozen at dark intersections, causing traffic blocks and stranding passengers. This highlighted challenges for lidar and radar-dependent systems, like Waymo, which struggled without functional traffic signals. In contrast, Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which relies on a vision-based approach, reportedly managed the outage without issues, as noted by Elon Musk on social media here.

The economic implications of the reliability of autonomous vehicles are profound, particularly in light of recent events in San Francisco. During a major power outage on December 20, 2025, Waymo's driverless vehicles, reliant on lidar and radar technologies, were unable to function properly, stopping abruptly at darkened intersections with hazard lights flashing. This incident, highlighted in a LiveMint report, underscores the potential vulnerabilities in systems that depend heavily on existing infrastructure like traffic lights. In contrast, Tesla's robotaxis reportedly continued operations seamlessly during the blackout, leveraging their Full Self-Driving (FSD) system that relies more on end-to-end neural networks and camera-based vision. This differential performance during the outage could have significant economic ramifications, as businesses and investors might start favoring technology that demonstrates reliability and resilience in unexpected scenarios. [According to LiveMint](https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/elon-musk-boasts-tesla-services-unaffect-waymo-driverless-vehicles-froze-traffic-san-francisco-power-outage-watch-videos-11766365397467.html), the market confidence in Tesla's FSD could potentially boost its market valuation, while increasing skepticism and potential operational costs associated with more infrastructure-dependent systems like Waymo's.

The disruption caused by the power outage also highlights broader economic implications for the autonomous vehicle industry as a whole. As the reliability of different systems becomes clearer to the public and stakeholders, significant investments might be redirected towards technologies that ensure seamless operation even during infrastructure failures. This redirected investment could lead to accelerated development and adoption of more resilient autonomous driving technologies, which could reshape the dynamics of urban transportation and potentially lead to economic shifts in related industries. Companies investing in robust, vision-based systems may see increased market share and a better valuation, whereas those with technology perceived as less reliable might face increased regulatory pressure and potential declines in usage.

Furthermore, the economic implications extend beyond the autonomous vehicle sector. The power outage in San Francisco not only disrupted transit but also impacted holiday shopping activities, causing financial losses for local businesses that rely heavily on seasonal sales. Events like this might drive demand for systemic improvements in infrastructure reliability, potentially resulting in increased public and private investments to harden the grid against similar failures. California utilities, for instance, may face pressures to invest up to billions in resilience measures, as has been discussed in various state energy reports. These shifts could also impact overall economic activities in cities, influencing everything from urban planning to public policy focused on transport and infrastructure.

The event also prompted discussions about the operational costs of ensuring redundancy in autonomous vehicle fleets. Companies like Waymo might face increased financial burdens to upgrade their systems to cope with unforeseen scenarios akin to the power outage. According to industry estimates, implementing such redundancies could increase operational expenses by a significant margin. In contrast, technologies like Tesla's FSD that have demonstrated resilience may prove to be more economically viable long-term solutions, providing them a competitive edge in the marketplace. As such, the reliability of autonomous vehicle systems is emerging as a crucial factor not just from a technological standpoint, but also as a central economic consideration for companies operating within this innovation-driven sector.

The social sentiments surrounding the incident where Waymo's driverless vehicles froze during a San Francisco power outage reflect a mix of frustration and skepticism toward fully autonomous technologies. On social media platforms, videos depicting stranded Waymo cars went viral, triggering debates about the readiness of autonomous systems in unpredictable urban environments. Some city residents expressed their dismay at being caught in traffic snarls due to the halted vehicles, which they perceived as a failure of the technology to handle crisis situations effectively. In contrast, Elon Musk's announcement that Tesla's robotaxis operated seamlessly during the outage, as reported on LiveMint, sparked discussions on Tesla's technological advantages. This narrative was bolstered by social media testimonials from Tesla users who touted the reliability of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system.

The power outage incident and subsequent reactions highlighted a significant divide in public perception between Waymo and Tesla’s autonomous driving technologies. Waymo, relying heavily on lidar and radar, seemed unprepared for scenarios lacking usual traffic indicators, drawing criticism for its inability to improvise like a human driver. In contrast, Tesla's camera-based approach was hailed as more adaptable in such situations. Public forums echoed sentiments of distrust toward systems overly reliant on environmental cues, underscoring the importance of adaptability in autonomous vehicle technologies. According to the report, this incident might influence future consumer preferences toward more robust systems that promise resilience under infrastructure failures.

The public's reaction strongly suggests a reevaluation of autonomous vehicle technology, emphasizing the need for systems that can operate independently of external indicators such as traffic lights. The incident exposed certain vulnerabilities in current systems and spurred discussions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where users extensively shared their experiences and opinions. The event led to a broader discourse on the balance between technological advancement and reliability, particularly in high-stakes environments like major urban centers. Many users have begun advocating for stricter performance benchmarks and emergency protocols in the design of autonomous systems to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Navigating the political and regulatory landscape for autonomous vehicles presents unique challenges and opportunities for technology companies. In the wake of technological advances and incidents like the recent San Francisco power outage, stakeholders are recognizing the importance of robust policy frameworks that support innovation while ensuring public safety. The disruption caused by the outage, which affected numerous autonomous vehicles such as Waymo's, raises significant regulatory questions, particularly around safety standards and infrastructure dependence. This incident prompts the need for regulations that ensure autonomous vehicles can operate effectively even without traditional infrastructure support, as highlighted in events documented here.

Regulators are increasingly focusing on the need for autonomous vehicles to perform in scenarios of infrastructure failure, demanding technologies that prioritize resilience. Current debates in the regulatory space are centered around balancing innovation with public safety, as regulatory bodies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) intensify scrutiny on autonomous driving technologies. These regulations may soon require comprehensive testing under various adverse conditions, ensuring companies like Waymo and Tesla can navigate without external cues, as evidenced by Tesla's performance during the San Francisco blackout. This scrutiny is expected to drive advancements in autonomous vehicle technologies, accelerating the development of systems less reliant on conventional traffic signals.

Politically, there is a push for infrastructure-independent navigation solutions which are reflected in various policy discussions across different levels of government. Local governments, in particular, grapple with the integration of driverless vehicles into urban landscapes, which could lead to legislative initiatives mandating vehicles' ability to adapt to failures in city infrastructure. Such policies might also stem from public frustration and safety concerns, as seen in the response to Waymo's halted vehicles during critical infrastructure failures highlighted in the LiveMint article.

In the broader regulatory context, agencies are also considering future-proofing transportation networks by ensuring that autonomous vehicles are part of a resilient, adaptable mobility ecosystem. This involves updating guidelines and standards that can accommodate emerging technologies like Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD). The ongoing evolution of regulations will likely require developers to implement advanced machine learning techniques that enable vehicles to process and respond to real-world variables without exclusively relying on external signaling or mapping systems. The lessons learned from events in San Francisco could redefine the regulatory landscape, shaping new compliance frameworks that prioritize technological robustness and public trust.