Tesla (TSLA, Financial) is gearing up to introduce its highly anticipated Robotaxi service, expected to debut in Austin, Texas. This innovative unmanned taxi service, part of "Project Alicorn," integrates directly into the Tesla app, allowing users to summon a self-driving vehicle with a click, akin to Uber's ride-hailing experience. Unlike traditional fleets, Tesla's Robotaxi will consist of vehicles purchased by ordinary users, promising reduced operating costs and a swift expansion to more cities across the U.S. within the year.
The ultimate goal is to establish a fleet operated entirely by Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, potentially reshaping ride-hailing and carpooling services globally. CEO Elon Musk envisions that a Tesla could generate $10,000 to $30,000 annually for its owner through this model. Recent updates suggest that Tesla is preparing for the platform's rollout, with in-app features indicating the imminent launch.
Initially, a small-scale trial with 10 to 20 autonomous electric vehicles will take place in Austin. Although the vehicles are self-driving, passengers can still contact a "driver" for assistance during this early phase.
