Core Viewpoint - Tesla's Robotaxi service is significantly cheaper than Uber, with price differences reaching up to 84% in some cases, indicating a revolutionary shift in the ride-hailing cost structure rather than a mere price war [5][11][13]. Pricing Comparison - A user conducted tests comparing Tesla Robotaxi and Uber fares in Austin, revealing that Tesla consistently offered lower prices across various distances, with an average discount exceeding 50% [6][12]. - For example, a nearly 9-mile trip cost Tesla $9.92 compared to Uber's $30.38, a difference of 67% [7][11]. - In another instance, a short trip of 0.97 miles cost Tesla $1.97 while Uber charged $12.36, marking an 84% price difference [11][12]. Cost Structure Analysis - The cost advantage of Tesla's service stems from its elimination of human drivers and the integration of vehicle, platform, and driver into a single automated system [15][16]. - Traditional ride-hailing services like Uber incur high costs due to driver wages, fuel, and platform fees, with drivers typically receiving around 70% of the fare [15]. - Tesla's model allows for a much lower operational cost, estimated at around $0.4 to $0.6 per mile, compared to Uber's higher costs due to its reliance on human drivers and additional fees [16][17]. Future Projections - Elon Musk has stated that Tesla aims to cover half of the U.S. population with its Robotaxi service by the end of the year, potentially impacting traditional ride-hailing platforms significantly [17]. - If successful, this could lead to substantial profits for Tesla, with projections suggesting a profit of $48 billion annually from a fleet of 100,000 Robotaxis [17].