Tesla has given us a preview of the ride-hailing functionality that will be integrated into the Tesla mobile app ahead of the launch of the robotaxi network.
In the company’s Q1 2024 earnings call, Tesla shared early images and functionalities of the ride-hailing interface. The functionality will be seamlessly integrated into the existing mobile app, with the company saying the “Tesla software experience is best-in-class.”
Tesla’s ride-hailing service, which looks to take on giants like Uber and Lyft, will have its own unique advantages, like having no driver to deal with, as the first screenshot shows a “Summon” button, and others showing users will have the ability to adjust things like climate control and music, and track the vehicle on a 3D map.
Tesla did not provide a specific timeline for when the ride-hailing service will be operational, only saying that it will be “available in the future.”
“We are currently working on ride-hailing functionality that will be available in the future. We believe the Tesla software experience is best-in-class across all our products, and plan to seamlessly layer ride-hailing into the Tesla App.
The launch of Tesla’s ride-hailing service is contingent on the company reaching full autonomous driving capabilities, but with the recent release of V12 of Full Self-Driving (FSD), Elon Musk is apparently optimistic it will happen sooner rather than later.
It will not be contingent however on the launch of the robotaxi, which is being designed without traditional controls like steering wheels and pedals. Musk plans to reveal their dedicated robotaxi, later this year on August 8, 2024.
