Tesla(US:TSLA) Xin Lang Ke Ji·2025-06-22 23:09Core Viewpoint - Tesla has officially launched its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, marking a significant milestone after nearly a decade of promises from CEO Elon Musk, with rides priced at $4.2 each [1][14]. Group 1: Launch Details - The Robotaxi service was announced by Musk on June 22, 2023, with initial operations featuring only 10 vehicles, emphasizing a cautious approach to deployment [1][15]. - The vehicles used for the service are standard Model Y cars equipped with Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, rather than the newly designed Cybercab [1][17]. - The service is currently limited to a small group of invited Tesla users, with a safety operator present in the front seat during rides [1][17]. Group 2: Historical Context - Musk has been promoting the concept of Tesla vehicles as part of a shared fleet since 2016, with earlier projections suggesting significant income potential for vehicle owners [5][7]. - Despite the long-standing vision, the commercial rollout of Robotaxi has faced delays due to both technological and regulatory challenges [7][9]. Group 3: Financial Implications - Tesla's electric vehicle business has seen a decline in sales and revenue, prompting a strategic shift towards AI-driven services like Robotaxi and robotics for future valuation [14]. - In Q1 2023, Tesla reported a 13% drop in delivery volume, a 20% decrease in electric vehicle revenue, and a 71% decline in net profit, highlighting the urgency for new revenue streams [14]. Group 4: Safety and Regulatory Considerations - The FSD technology has faced scrutiny, with ongoing investigations into its safety, particularly in low-visibility conditions [28][31]. - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has raised concerns about Tesla's ability to operate safely in adverse weather, which has led to calls for a pause in the Robotaxi rollout until new regulations are in place [31][32]. Group 5: Competitive Landscape - The autonomous taxi sector is highly competitive, with companies like Waymo and Cruise having faced significant challenges, including accidents that have impacted their operations [21][23]. - Waymo has successfully operated a fleet of over 1,500 autonomous vehicles, while Cruise has exited the market following a serious incident [21][23].