Tesla(US:TSLA) Hua Xia Shi Bao·2025-06-24 10:13Core Viewpoint - Tesla's Robotaxi service has officially launched in Austin, Texas, marking a significant milestone in the development of autonomous driving technology, relying solely on cameras and AI algorithms rather than lidar [2][3][4]. Group 1: Service Launch and Operations - The Robotaxi service began on June 22, 2023, in a designated area of approximately 77.7 square kilometers, avoiding complex intersections [3]. - The service operates daily from 6 AM to midnight and excludes operation during adverse weather conditions [3]. - Initially, the service is invitation-only, with about 20 participants primarily consisting of Tesla employees and Powerwall users [3]. Group 2: Safety and Technology - Each Robotaxi is equipped with a safety monitor in the front passenger seat, and vehicles can be remotely controlled in emergencies [3][4]. - The service utilizes a unique visual-based approach, employing eight cameras to create a visual occupancy network, which is a cost-effective alternative to lidar systems [4][5]. Group 3: Data and Learning - Robotaxi vehicles can accumulate over 12 hours of real-world data daily, significantly enhancing the training of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system [4][5]. - Tesla's existing fleet of over 6 million vehicles generates 1.6 billion frames of image data daily, contributing to the training of the largest autonomous driving neural network globally [5]. Group 4: Business Model and Market Potential - The pricing of $4.2 per ride is strategically lower than competitors like Uber, aiming to cultivate user habits rather than immediate revenue [5][6]. - Analysts estimate that operating 100,000 Robotaxis could generate $8 billion in annual revenue, with a gross margin exceeding 30% [6]. Group 5: Regulatory and Competitive Landscape - The Robotaxi initiative serves as leverage for Tesla in advocating for regulatory changes, aligning with Texas regulations on autonomous vehicles [6]. - In contrast to Tesla's approach, Chinese companies are rapidly advancing in the Robotaxi market, with projections indicating a market size of 2.93 trillion yuan by 2030 [7][8]. Group 6: Technological Differences - Chinese firms are adopting a multi-sensor fusion approach for better performance in adverse weather, while Tesla's visual-only method remains untested in extreme conditions [9]. - The competition in the Robotaxi space is intensifying, with various companies exploring different technological pathways and regulatory frameworks [9].