Tasha Keeney, Director of Investment Analysis & Institutional Strategies at ARK Invest, anticipates that Tesla will roll out its Robotaxi Network by 2025 or 2026. Keeney suggests that the launch doesn’t necessarily hinge on the introduction of the Cybercab.
Keeney and ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood attended Tesla's recent “We, Robot” event on October 10, where they were spotted waiting for a ride in the newly revealed Cybercab, intended to be central to the Robotaxi Network.
However, Keeney and her team believe Tesla can initiate the Robotaxi Network without the Cybercab. She points out that Tesla's existing fleet equipped with Hardware 3 and 4 is already capable of achieving full autonomy through over-the-air software updates.
Tesla Robotaxi Network with Human Drivers
Even if Tesla opts to wait for the Cybercab for fully autonomous rides, ARK Invest contends that the company could still launch the Robotaxi Network using human drivers. In a 2020 article, ARK highlighted the potential benefits of starting with human drivers.
“ARK believes that a ride-hail network would boost Tesla’s profitability before the introduction of fully autonomous robotaxis. Furthermore, the implementation of a robotaxi service wouldn’t require significant engineering resources, aside from routing and payment integration,” stated ARK Invest.
“Ultimately, a vertically integrated ride-hail service utilizing highly efficient electric vehicles would enhance the share of miles driven on electric platforms, furthering Tesla’s mission to promote sustainable energy,” they added.
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