Robotaxi Network could be rolled out earlier, preceding Cybercab

[Administrator]

One way that the Tesla Robotaxi network and plans could be rolled out earlier than expected is if Tesla doesn't wait to launch it together with the Cybercab launch. This idea was floated by ARK Invest's Director of Investment Analysis & Institutional Strategies, Tasha Keeney.

Per Teslarati

Keeney and ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood attended Tesla’s “We, Robot” event on October 10. The pair was seen patiently waiting for a ride in the newly unveiled Tesla Cybercab, which will be the backbone of the company’s Robotaxi Network. ​

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However, Keeney and her colleagues at ARK Invest believe Tesla can launch its Robotaxi Network without the Cybercab. She argues that Tesla already has a fleet of cars with Hardware 3 and 4 capable of full autonomy through over-the-air software updates.​

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“ARK believes that a ride-hail network will enhance Tesla’s profitability prior to the launch of a robotaxi service. Moreover, it seems that the launch of a robotaxi service would not tie up significant engineering resources except for routing, payment integration, and other functions that will be critical to the launch of robotaxis.​

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“Finally, a vertically integrated ride-hail service with highly utilized electric vehicles would increase the share of miles driven on electric platforms, advancing Tesla’s mission of converting the world to sustainable energy,” said ARK Invest. ​

 

[Driving Mr. Daisy]

Makes total sense and I can see this happening. Effectively, Tesla already has millions of potential Cybercabs (just in Model 3 and Y form) that can act like Robotaxis as soon as the FSD / AI hardware is improved enough for regulatory approval.