Tesla said you’d earn money with FSD. Now it’s earning money. Why cant you?

Published

3 months ago

June 22, 2025

admin

Tesla spent years selling its Full Self-Driving software, for as much as $15,000, with the promise that owners would be able to use that software to send their cars out as robotaxis to earn money when they’re not being used otherwise.

Just today, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that Tesla will be charging a flat fee of $4.20 for rides in its highly-supervised “robotaxi”. But that brings up the question: if Tesla spent so many years promising that you could use your car to earn money, and it’s using its cars to earn money, then why can’t you?

Tesla’s autonomy efforts started long ago, with the relatively less capable Autopilot software which was first released to the public in 2015. Autopilot operated only on highways and required driver attention, but nevertheless was a groundbreaking driver assist system which was easy to use and more capable than most everything else on the road at the time.

Since then, most brands have implemented systems with similar “level 2” driver assist capabilities.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

But that wasn’t enough for Tesla, as it promised that the system would continually improve to the point where its cars would become fully autonomous, and capable of operation without any driver inside the vehicle at all.

Nearly ten years ago, Musk started the timeline, stating in late 2015 that Tesla would have fully autonomous vehicles about two years from then. He also said that you would be able to use Tesla’s “summon” feature to call your car from New York to pick you up in Los Angeles, again targeting around 2017/2018 for that capability to be rolled out.

Tesla soon upgraded its rhetorical ambitions, selling a different piece of software on top of Autopilot, which it calls “Full Self-Driving.” The idea was to pre-sell this software to Tesla owners (with a price that would only raise over time as the system got closer to launch – but that was another broken promise), and if you purchased it, you would be able to activate the software on your car when it’s ready.

All along, Tesla hailed that it was ahead of the field on self-driving efforts, largely due to the enormous amounts of data that it was collecting with millions of cars equipped with self-driving hardware (even though it double-charged some of those owners for hardware they already bought).

It said that, once self-driving is solved, the company would be able to simply flip a switch and enable the entire fleet to drive everywhere, without geofences, instantly with a simple software update.

Musk said in 2023 that this moment would be the “single biggest step change in asset value maybe in history,” echoing a previous moment when he said in 2019 that Tesla vehicles are “appreciating assets”.

The reason for this is because the cars would then be able to operate without a driver, which means they’d be able to accomplish new tasks without taking any of the owner’s time. You could send it to pick up your kids from school and not have to leave work early, or you could get it to grab a delivery for you, or any other number of ways that it would give you back time that you would otherwise have spent driving.

But even moreso, it could make you money. Tesla said it would start its own ride-hailing service, then called “Tesla Network,” and that owners would be able to send cars out, running their own autonomous taxi services while they’re at home, at work, or otherwise not using their car.

Needless to say, none of these promises have played out, despite them being made starting a decade ago.

But despite that, Tesla has already started making money from its system, it’s just not letting its customers who paid $15,000 make money from the system they were promised would be a financial boon overnight.

Tesla starts charging for autonomous taxi rides

Tesla’s much-awaited Robotaxi launch starts this afternoon in Austin. It’s a much more limited launch than one might have expected given the hype and the long, continually-pushed-back lead time, but some people will finally experience what it’s like to be picked up by a Tesla with nobody in the driver’s seat today

But it’s still not a full robotaxi – there will be a “safety monitor” in the front passenger seat, along with teleoperators for backup, geofencing (which Musk once said isn’t “real self driving”), limited operation times, potential weather limits, a user list limited to Tesla superfans, and only around 10 vehicles in the area. It will, however, count as “level 4” autonomous, if there truly is nobody operating the vehicle.

We’re looking forward to the first videos of the experience, which should be imminent whenever the launch does happen. The launch was previously scheduled for this morning, then noon, and now “this afternoon” as announced by Musk today (cutting it quite late, as if Tesla needs the first half of the day to finish preparations on a system that they’ve reportedly been testing for “several days”)

The announcement includes a mention of the fee that Tesla will be charging for this fledgling effort, in contrast with other driverless taxi services that have operated for some time before they started charging fees. Both Cruise and Waymo went through various stages of operation before they moved to public rides with fees, including safety drivers, employee-only limitations and so on.

But by the time they charged fees, they had been operating for some time with nobody at all in the vehicle, unlike Tesla’s first effort today (though both had a waitlist for the public to join the service, but your position in the waitlist was not determined by how nice you’d been to the company on twitter – for example, I used Waymo in a press preview period, and I didn’t have a minder in the car with me telling me that I had to be nice).

Today’s announcement by Musk shows that Tesla is charging a fee from day one, before the system is really self-driving, given the many limitations of this launch. The fee is set at $4.20 – an apparent reference to Musk’s many reported drug addictions.

So this raises the question: if Tesla’s service is good enough for it to charge money, good enough for Tesla to call it a robotaxi, good enough for Tesla to put up a whole page about it, where’s that software update and asset value increase Tesla owners were promised?

After all, this was supposed to happen instantly, delivered to the whole fleet, and not geofenced (except for the matter of regulatory approval – how’s that going for you, Elon?). That’s the story Tesla has always told, anyway.

Some will point out that this measured rollout of autonomous taxis makes more sense, as safety is paramount. This is obviously true, and is why other companies have focused on gradual rollouts. But if this is still just a test and isn’t full self-driving by Musk’s definition, then Tesla probably shouldn’t call it a robotaxi and probably shouldn’t charge for it.

Also, those other companies didn’t spend ten years selling a system, for up to $15k, promising the largest asset value increase in the history of the world. They didn’t say that you’d be able to summon your car across country to come get you. They didn’t claim to be robotaxis when there was a safety monitor in the front seat, and they didn’t continually hype up a launch that got pushed back the better part of a decade and is still being pushed back today, on launch day, as the hours tick on into “afternoon.”

Meanwhile, Musk’s mouth is still writing checks that Tesla owners can’t (yet?) cash, as just today he posted a clip of himself being interviewed last month, stating that “by the end of next year” (Elon! Play Freebird!) Tesla will have hundreds of thousands or millions of autonomous taxis on the road, making money for customers who purchased FSD.

So, Tesla owners get to wait, once again, until Tesla deigns to give them the crumbs they paid so much for and have waited so long for. The company will be happy to collect money itself in the interim – but you can’t. Thanks for the 15 grand.

Charge your electric vehicle at home using rooftop solar panels. Find a reliable and competitively priced solar installer near you on EnergySage, for free. They have pre-vetted installers competing for your business, ensuring high-quality solutions and 20-30% savings. It’s free, with no sales calls until you choose an installer. Compare personalized solar quotes online and receive guidance from unbiased Energy Advisers. Get started here. – ad*

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Environment

The era of cheap Chinese solar + storage is ending – here’s why

Published

58 mins ago

October 2, 2025

admin

The era of cheap Chinese solar + storage is ending – here’s why

Trinasolar Chinese solar storage — Photo: Trina Solar

Solar and storage prices are about to rise after a year and a half of record lows, according to new data from Wood Mackenzie. Equipment procurement costs for solar and energy storage will jump around 9% starting in Q4 2025, marking the end of the bargain pricing developers have enjoyed for the last 18 months. That’s because China is changing the rules.

Why solar +storage prices are going up

Wood Mackenzie points to three major drivers behind the coming spike:

Polysilicon consolidation. China’s polysilicon production exploded between 2022 and 2024, creating a glut and pushing prices to unsustainable lows. But new government guidelines are now forcing producers to slow down, cutting utilization rates to 55-70%. As a result, polysilicon prices surged 48% in September 2025 alone.
Production cuts across the value chain. Solar module makers are also reducing operating rates, with major producers running at just 55-60% capacity by mid-2025. Outdated PERC cell lines are being phased out, further shrinking available capacity.
The end of China’s export tax rebate. Starting in Q4 2025, China will scrap its 13% VAT export rebate on solar modules and storage systems. This fiscal change will ripple through global pricing since China supplies over 80% of the world’s solar modules and 90% of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs.

That policy shift means developers worldwide will face higher costs. In the US, storage and solar projects relying on Chinese equipment will likely see about a 9% cost increase in Q4. Analysts expect inverters to lose their export rebate soon, too, adding more upward pressure.

From price war to market correction

For the past year and a half, Chinese manufacturers have been selling solar modules and storage systems at rock-bottom prices, trying to move oversupply even while posting losses. Modules hit record lows of $0.07-$0.09 per watt in 2024 and early 2025. But with government intervention, that price war is ending.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

“This is about to change,” said Yana Hryshko, senior research analyst and head of Global Solar Supply Chain at Wood Mackenzie. “The Chinese government has intervened to stabilize the market, and developers globally will have to adjust their procurement expectations accordingly.”

Wood Mac says the shift represents a “structural correction” toward sustainable margins, not just a temporary market adjustment. “This shift will ultimately benefit the industry’s long-term health,” said Hryshko. Manufacturers will finally have room to reinvest and innovate, but developers will need to revisit budgets and renegotiate supply deals for production scheduled after November 2025.

Bottom line is, ultra-cheap solar and storage gear is on its way out. The next phase of the energy transition will likely come with higher but more sustainable prices.

The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

Add Electrek as a preferred source on Google

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Environment

Jeep vehicles still qualify for the $7,500 EV credit past the deadline, for now

Published

2 hours ago

October 2, 2025

admin

Jeep vehicles still qualify for the ,500 EV credit past the deadline, for now

Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, and Fiat vehicles will remain eligible for the credit after the deadline expires. Stellantis confirmed it will replicate the offer for EV and PHEV models.

Stellantis extends credit for Jeep EV and PHEV models

Stellantis is looking for a comeback in the US. The company sold 324,825 vehicles under the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Fiat brands in the US in the third quarter, notching its highest monthly market share in 15 months.

Although it currently offers only a few all-electric vehicles, including the Jeep Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger Daytona EV, Stellantis also provides a range of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

Through July, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe remained the best-selling PHEV in the US. Stellantis doesn’t provide a breakdown of Wrangler sales by model, but total sales rose 18% in the third quarter to nearly 45,000 units.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Through September, Stellantis has sold over 128,000 Wranglers. Jeep also offers the Grand Cherokee 4xe, another PHEV. The Wagoneer S, Jeep’s first all-electric SUV, racked up 4,163 in sales in the third quarter, bringing its yearly total to 10,426.

To compensate for the loss of the federal tax credit, Stellantis will honor it for EVs and PHEVs. The offer is good on the lease or purchase of a new EV or PHEV, but there’s a catch.

The deal is only for vehicles currently in the dealer’s inventory, meaning it could run out at any point, if it hasn’t already.

Jeep isn’t the only brand, Stellantis is extending the credit to all PHEV and EV models. Dodge offers the electric Charger Daytona BEV and Hornet R/T PHEV. Chrysler only sells one vehicle, the Pacifica minivan, but it is available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. And don’t forget the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the luxury brand’s first PHEV.

All will still be eligible for the credit while inventory lasts. Stellantis follows other automakers, including Ford, GM, and Hyundai, which will continue to offer the EV tax credit beyond the deadline.

Interested in checking one out for yourself? You can use our links below to see what’s available in your area.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Environment

96 DC fast chargers are coming to Western Canada’s highways

Published

2 hours ago

October 2, 2025

admin

96 DC fast chargers are coming to Western Canada’s highways

fast chargers Western Canada — Photo: Wallbox

Wallbox’s Supernova DC fast chargers will power a major new EV charging network across Western Canada.

Public charging network operator SureCharge Corp is rolling out up to 24 high-speed public charging sites with 96 Wallbox Supernova 180 kW DC fast chargers across Alberta and British Columbia. The new network will fill critical charging gaps along key travel corridors, linking northern, central, and southern Alberta with British Columbia.

The initiative is backed by over $4.7 million from the Government of Canada through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program and $400,000 from the Government of British Columbia. SureCharge is leading the project, with SureTek Electric & Technologies, a certified Wallbox partner, handling installation, commissioning, and maintenance.

Each site will feature Wallbox’s 180 kW Supernova fast chargers. The Supernova line aims to keep costs low for operators while ensuring drivers have consistent access to high-speed charging.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

SureCharge says the project will connect communities in Western Canada that have never had access to fast chargers. “From the northern stretches of British Columbia to the southern reaches of Alberta, we’re enabling a fast-charging corridor that connects communities across the region,” said Michael Palarchio, SureCharge’s vice-president. “By building a network that’s owned, installed, and maintained by Western Canadians, we’re creating a locally powered solution that works for the people who live, work, and travel here.”

Canadian officials say the project will help ease range anxiety and encourage more people to drive EVs. “With this funding, Canadians traveling on Alberta and British Columbia highways will have access to more EV chargers where they need them most,” said Tim Hodgson, Canada’s minister of energy and natural resources. “These chargers give peace of mind to current EV drivers and help address charging anxiety for those considering an EV purchase.”

The first sites will go live by late 2025 in Red Deer, Lacombe, and Enoch Cree Nation, followed by rapid expansion into Whitecourt, Grande Prairie, Jasper, Fort St. John, Fernie, Edson, and other towns, including Grand Cache, Hinton, Rocky Mountain House, Valleyview, and Diamond Valley.

The project is part of a larger plan to create a long-term, regionwide charging network in partnership with retail, hospitality, and convenience brands committed to sustainable transportation.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.