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Tesla to allow owners to join robotaxi network in 2024

Elon Musk announced owners can rent their vehicles as self-driving taxis next year.

July 24, 2025 at 12:33 AM

Elon Musk says Tesla will start adding vehicles it doesn’t own into its robotaxi network next year

Elon Musk shares plans to include customer vehicles in Tesla's robotaxi network.

Tesla's robotaxi plans expand with customer-owned vehicles

During a quarterly earnings call, Elon Musk announced that in 2024, Tesla would allow owners to add their cars to the company's robotaxi network. This could enable many Tesla customers to earn money by renting out their vehicles as self-driving taxis. The initial phase of the robotaxi service began in Austin last month, currently featuring a limited number of Tesla-owned cars and safety drivers. Musk acknowledged that details about incorporating customer vehicles are still being considered while emphasizing the company's focus on safety. Despite a recent revenue decline of 12%, Musk's ambitious vision includes expanding the robotaxi service to more locations if regulatory approvals can be secured. Tesla aims for extensive deployment in U.S. cities such as the Bay Area and Florida by the end of the year.

Key Takeaways

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Tesla will allow vehicle owners to rent their cars as robotaxis next year.

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Current robotaxi service in Austin started with Tesla-owned vehicles.

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Musk emphasizes the need for safety before expanding the service.

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Revenue dropped 12% year-over-year, marking a decade low for the company.

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Regulatory approval is crucial for expansion plans in other U.S. cities.

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Potential legal and liability issues remain unaddressed with customer-owned vehicles.

"We need to make sure it works when the vehicles are fully under our control."

Musk stresses the importance of safety before expanding Tesla's robotaxi service.

"As soon as we get the approvals and we prove our safety, then we’ll be launching autonomous ride hailing in most of the country."

Musk outlines plans for nationwide expansion pending safety proof and regulatory approval.

Tesla's approach to integrating customer vehicles into the robotaxi network represents a significant shift in the shared mobility landscape. While the potential for car owners to earn income is appealing, the success of this venture hinges on resolving complexities related to regulatory frameworks and liability concerns. As Tesla navigates these challenges, it faces competition from established leaders like Waymo, which is ahead in the self-driving market. Musk's assertion of expanding rapidly relies heavily on regulatory goodwill and demonstrable safety in the coming months.

Highlights

Tesla is set to revolutionize car ownership with robotaxi rentals.
Regulatory approval will be key for Tesla's ambitious expansion plans.
Safety remains a top priority as Tesla moves forward with growth.
Elon Musk's vision is to dominate the autonomous ride-hailing market.

Regulatory challenges ahead for Tesla's robotaxi expansion

Tesla's plan to include customer-owned vehicles in its robotaxi service raises concerns about regulatory compliance and liability issues. This complexity has the potential to delay progress and create backlash from safety advocates.

As Tesla navigates these uncharted waters, its future in autonomous transportation will reveal both risks and opportunities.

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tesla robotaxi elon musk autonomous vehicles ride sharing technology business automotive

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