Tesla is readying to launch a ride-hailing service, as disclosed in its latest updates. The company is focusing on its self-driving and robotaxi ventures amidst a decline in demand for electric vehicles. While Tesla has not specified a launch date, it has revealed details about the ride-hailing service, which will be integrated into the existing Tesla app used by vehicle owners for various functions.
The service will provide users with the ability to request a driverless vehicle, adjust the interior temperature, and track the vehicle’s location through a 3D map, as illustrated in screenshots during Tesla’s Q1 earnings presentation. During an investor call, Elon Musk shared more insights into the robo-taxi business model, comparing it to a blend of Airbnb and Uber. Musk mentioned that Tesla plans to have a mix of company-owned and user-owned vehicles in a self-driving fleet to generate valuable data and feedback.
Despite challenges from safety organizations and legal issues, Tesla continues to develop its driver-assist software, known as “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) and work on the ride-hailing functionality for future use. Tesla’s CEO announced plans to unveil a robotaxi in August, highlighting the significance of its self-driving technology and ride-hailing service amidst market changes.
