Reuters – Tesla aims to launch robotaxi with teleoperator backup, Deutsche Bank says
Editors note: it is good that Tesla is acknowledging that FSD will not be adequate for robotaxi operations, but they should also acknowledge that remote driving itself is known to not be safe. Plus a large number of in-person humans will still be required to visit problem vehicles.
Also, note that Tesla is still claiming that their robotaxi operation will go live in California just 6 months from now, when they have no chance of getting permitted by the state.
And lastly, Tesla is acknowledging that the proposed robotaxis will at least initially not be owned by individuals, but will instead be owned by Tesla. This of course means that their whole business model of Tesla not having to forward the capital costs of the vehicles is untrue.
See original article at Reuters
Dec 9 (Reuters) – Tesla aims to start its robotaxi service with a company-owned fleet backed up by human teleoperators for safety, Deutsche Bank said in a note after a meeting with the company’s head of investor relations.
The electric vehicle maker still is shooting for a launch of its cheaper vehicle in the first half of next year and other models later in the year, the bank said after the meeting with investor relations chief Travis Axelrod. It published the note on Friday.
Tesla plans to launch robotaxi service in California and Texas next year, Deutsche Bank said. Tesla had set that goal earlier this year.
Axelrod did not respond to a request for comment.
“Tesla believes it would be reasonable to assume some type of teleoperator would be needed at least initially for safety/redundancy purposes,” the bank said in the note. “Management intends to start off entirely with the company-owned fleet” and to use an internally developed ride-hail app, it said.
Deutsche Bank also raised its price target for Tesla shares to $370 from $295. Tesla shares were trading down nearly 1% at $386.04 on Monday.
See original article at Reuters
