Tesla will launch ride-hailing app next year

Tesla has announced that its ride-hailing app will launch next year for customers in areas with early access to autonomous robotaxi services.

A week ago, Tesla organized an autonomous tech event in California and announced Cybercab robotaxi. This car has no wheel or paddle and it drives autonomously.

The company posted around 50 robotaxis at the event to tour all visitors. 20 of these were Cybercab and 30 were Model Ys.

The EV maker will launch fully autonomous ride-hailing services in California and Texas in 2025. However, it will need to clear regulatory approval to make this happen.

Cybercab will launch in 2026 and it might delay to 2027 based on Tesla’s announcement at the event. However, the company will not wait for this new vehicle. Instead, it will deploy its entire fleet for ride-hailing including Model 3, Y, S, X, and even Cybertruck. This fleet will provide these services prior to Cybercab’s inclusion.

Ride-Hailing App

This app has a separate user interface. It’s unconfirmed whether these features will come as a separate app or an integration to the existing Tesla app but we have some details about how it works.

Tesla Ride-Hailing App User Interface (AI) Preview (source – Tesla)

You need to order a ride with an app similar to Uber, and select a vehicle and destination. Then you can summon the robotaxi with on-screen controls. Then the app will show you the vehicle’s estimated time of arrival at the pickup location.

Customers will have the option to cancel the ride anytime before the robotaxi arrives. The app will allow you to precondition the vehicle and you can see the vehicle’s current location as it reaches at your location. Once inside, the front display will show you control to begin the ride.

You can see many details about your journey and destination on the app and the Robotaxi’s display.

These are just a few key features revealed by Tesla but the app and the robotaxi could offer even more functionality when it launches.