Tesla has provided a sneak peek of its upcoming ridehailing mobile app, offering a glimpse into how users will interact with its future fleet of self-driving taxis. The company’s CEO, Elon Musk, has repeatedly teased the possibility of a Tesla robotaxi, even showcasing a completely covered vehicle during a 2023 event unveiling the company’s third Master Plan.
The revealed screens from the forthcoming ridehailing app provide a glimpse into the user experience. The first screen features a prominent ‘Summon’ button, along with an estimated wait time. The next screen displays a 3D map with a virtual vehicle tracking its route to the waiting passenger, resembling the interface of existing ridehailing apps like Uber, but with a Tesla-centric design.
Passengers can set the vehicle’s climate to their preferred temperature while waiting. Other details, such as the estimated wait time and the vehicle’s maximum passenger capacity, are also displayed. Once the vehicle arrives, the app transitions to a route view to the destination, with additional controls for music selection.
Notably, the app does not explicitly reference the autonomous nature of the vehicles. Musk has long speculated that Tesla owners would be able to earn passive income from their autonomous cars by sending them out to pick up and drop off passengers, creating a ‘Tesla Network’ where vehicles could generate revenue while their owners are away.
However, Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems currently require drivers to remain attentive and ready to take control when necessary. The company is also facing several wrongful death lawsuits stemming from fatal crashes involving its driver assistance systems.
Tesla has stated that its robotaxi will be ‘purpose built,’ indicating a vehicle designed from the ground up to be self-driving, potentially lacking traditional controls like steering wheels and pedals. The company also plans to utilize an ‘unboxed’ manufacturing strategy to expedite production, which involves starting with a single-piece cast and assembling the majority of the components in one go.
The full unveiling of Tesla’s ridehailing app and the launch of its robotaxi service are highly anticipated by industry observers, as they could significantly reshape the future of transportation and personal mobility.
