Tesla’s Robotaxi Unveiling: Is it the Biggest Bait-and-Switch?
Tesla is set to unveil a vehicle specifically designed to be a robotaxi, all while it is still selling its long-standing promise that its consumer vehicles would transform into self-driving taxis through software updates.
Some wonder if this is a bait-and-switch.
Tesla’s Original Promise
Back in 2016, CEO Elon Musk promised that all Tesla vehicles would soon become fully self-driving and capable of operating as robotaxis, generating income for their owners through future software updates. Initially, Musk claimed this would happen within a few years, but since 2019, he has said it would be ready “by the end of the year”—five years in a row.
Lately, Musk has stopped making firm predictions. However, this summer, he hinted again, saying, “I would be surprised if Tesla doesn’t achieve unsupervised self-driving next year.”
Tesla’s Self-Driving Strategy vs. Competitors
Tesla’s approach to autonomous driving is quite different from competitors like Waymo and Cruise. Instead of relying on a mix of sensors like radar and lidar, Tesla bets solely on a vision-based system powered by cameras and neural networks.
Since 2016, Tesla has sold its Full Self-Driving (FSD) package for up to $15,000, promising that future software updates will enable full autonomy. By contrast, Waymo and Cruise have already deployed fully self-driving vehicles in geo-fenced areas and operate ride-hailing services similar to Uber. Their sensor-rich vehicles are already giving thousands of autonomous rides each month, while Tesla’s system remains at Level 2 autonomy—far from the unsupervised self-driving Musk envisions.
Musk has criticized Waymo’s geo-fenced model, claiming Tesla’s ambition is to replace human drivers at scale, beyond restricted areas. But for now, Waymo seems far ahead in delivering on autonomous driving.
Tesla’s self-driving hardware cost a fraction of what Waymo’s system cost and it doesn’t rely on mapping, but it also has yet to work as promised.
Enter the Tesla Robotaxi
It’s unclear exactly how Tesla’s new robotaxi will fit into this picture. Musk has described it as a “dedicated self-driving vehicle” that might not even have a steering wheel or pedals, designed entirely for autonomous operation.
The technology powering this vehicle’s self-driving capabilities is expected to be similar, if not identical, to Tesla’s current hardware in consumer vehicles. However, updates are possible. The problem is that Tesla’s current Full Self-Driving program, based on available data, is nowhere near achieving the level of autonomy necessary for unsupervised driving.
For Tesla to operate a steering wheel-less robotaxi, it may need to introduce geo-fenced, mapped environments—similar to Waymo’s approach. Tesla has also floated the idea of launching its own ride-hailing service, called the “Tesla Network,” but this has yet to materialize.
Is This a Bait-and-Switch?
Tesla owners who purchased the FSD package will be watching closely at the robotaxi unveiling on October 10, especially to see what hardware powers the self-driving features. If the robotaxi uses the same hardware as current Teslas and operates in geo-fenced areas, this wouldn’t necessarily be bad news. Tesla could be working on its eventual commercialization – starting in controlled environments before expanding its capabilities.
However, if the robotaxi features new hardware that’s not available or retrofittable for current Tesla vehicles, owners who invested in FSD may feel Tesla has misled them. The concern is that their vehicles, despite promises, may never become fully autonomous robotaxis.
Electrek’s Take
There’s growing skepticism that Tesla’s HW3 vehicles, of which there are millions on the road, will ever achieve unsupervised self-driving. Last year, Musk claimed FSD on HW3 was six months ahead of HW4, but that timeline has since flipped. Considering Tesla needs a massive improvement in its self-driving system—roughly 1,000 times more miles between critical interventions — it’s hard to see HW4 vehicles reaching unsupervised self-driving anytime soon, let alone HW3.
Tesla may not admit defeat on HW3 just yet, but this robotaxi unveiling will be a crucial moment for the company’s self-driving promises and the customers who believed in them.
If it launches a geo-fenced robotaxi system with new hardware, I think we could see Tesla start to back track some of its claims about HW3 and even HW4 eventually.
What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.
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The Mockingbird Solar Center, Ørsted’s largest solar project globally, is now online, next to protected prairie donated by the renewable energy giant.
This massive 468-megawatt (MW) solar farm is set to power 80,000 homes and businesses, providing a major boost to the Texas grid.
But the launch of Mockingbird Solar isn’t just about clean energy – it’s also about restoring precious ecosystems. Ørsted has donated 953 acres of the Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland, which sits next to the solar center, to The Nature Conservancy. The donated land is now the Smiley Meadow Preserve, a protected area for tallgrass prairie that’s home to more than 400 species of grasses and wildflowers.
Tallgrass prairies are some of the rarest ecosystems in the US, with less than 1% of Texas’ original tallgrass prairies still in existence. Tallgrass prairie does a lot of heavy lifting for the environment, including storing carbon, preventing floods, and providing crucial habitats for pollinators.
“Native prairies are the rarest landscapes left in Texas – so much so that many people have never seen one,” said David Bezanson, land protection strategy program director for The Nature Conservancy in Texas. He added that preserving Smiley Meadow will not only conserve one of the best prairie remnants left but also help restore other prairie habitats and boost regional biodiversity.
The Mockingbird Solar Center, a half-billion-dollar project, is part of Ørsted’s $20 billion push to expand renewable energy production across the US. Beyond generating electricity, it will inject $75 million into local property taxes, benefiting schools and other public services. The project also created over 550 construction jobs and will continue to be supported by operations staff moving forward.
Ørsted worked with US companies, including First Solar, for solar panels and partnered with local businesses like Drake Construction and Pfifer Farms for construction materials. It also gave more than $50,000 to local volunteer fire departments in Roxton and Brookston.
With Mockingbird Solar now up and running, Ørsted has more than 6 gigawatts of onshore wind, solar, and battery storage projects either in operation or being built across the US.
Read more: Ørsted got a huge Tesla battery storage system for the world’s single-largest offshore wind farm
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Jeep’s first global luxury electric SUV will arrive at US dealerships any day. Despite its $72,000 price tag, lease prices for the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S EV start at just $599 per month.
2024 Jeep Wagoneer S EV lease prices
After unveiling its first global electric SUV, Jeep’s CEO said the Wagoneer S “marks a new chapter” in its storied history.
Jeep claims the Wagoneer S packs “exhilarating performance.” With 600 hp and 617 lb-ft of torque, the big-body SUV can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Its 100 kWh battery pack also gives it a driving range of over 300 miles.
The electric SUV is unmistakably still a Jeep, but it did get several upgrades to distinguish it as an EV. The grille is now enclosed without the need to cool a massive engine, giving it a sporty, more modern look.
Jeep revamped its design with a new illuminated seven-slot grille with ambient cast lightning. It also fine-tuned its profile, adding flush door handles, a rear wing, and integrated fins for better airflow.
The first Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition models get exclusive dark accent design elements like 20″ Gloss Black Wheels.
Inside, the electric SUV is loaded with the latest tech and connectivity, including a best-in-class 45″ of usable screen space. The setup includes a 12.3″ center screen and an exclusive 10.25″ interactive front passenger screen.
Jeep already announced that the 2024 Wagoneer S EV will start at $71,995, but now the company has revealed lease prices for the first time.
According to Jeep, the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition can be leased for $599 per month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year). The deal includes $4,999 due at signing and a $7,500 EV incentive. However, you may want to act fast, as Jeep’s offer is only good until December 2, 2024.
| Jeep Wagoneer S vs Tesla Model Y | Starting Price | Range | Lease Price |
| Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition | $71,995 | +300 miles | $599/mo |
| Tesla Model Y RWD | $44,990 | 320 miles | $299/mo |
| Tesla Model Y AWD | $47,990 | 308 miles | $399/mo |
| Tesla Model Y AWD Performance | $51,490 | 279 miles | $599/mo |
In comparison, Tesla Model Y RWD lease prices start at $299 for 36 months with $2,999 down (10,000 miles). The Performance AWD model starts at $599 per month. In an end-of-year promo, Tesla also offers 3 months of free Supercharging and Full Self-Driving.
Ready to drive off in your new electric SUV? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to view offers on the Jeep Wagoneer S and Tesla Model Y at a dealer near you.
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