With all the hubbub about the new eight-camera Hardware 2 system announced late yesterday, most of the Tesla discussion has been around the capacity for an improved self-driving experience built into every automobile constructed at the the company’s Fremont, California, factory from October 19 forward. But buried at the bottom of the company’s updated Autopilot information page is an interesting nugget, one that offers hints about Tesla’s future ride-sharing venture.
“Please note that Self-Driving functionality is dependent upon extensive software validation and regulatory approval, which may vary widely by jurisdiction. It is not possible to know exactly when each element of the functionality described above will be available, as this is highly dependent on local regulatory approval. Please note also that using a self-driving Tesla for car sharing and ride hailing for friends and family is fine, but doing so for revenue purposes will only be permissible on the Tesla Network, details of which will be released next year.” [Emphasis ours.] Does this mean that a Tesla with autonomous capability can’t be used for Uber or Lyft service" In his announcement of Master Plan, Part Deux, back in July, Musk noted that ride sharing via a Tesla-owned service was in the company’s future, suggesting that owners potentially would be able to negate their car payments by lending out their Tesla when they don’t need it. It makes sense th...