Tesla and Uber may collaborate to introduce the new Cybercab Robotaxi on Uber’s ride-sharing platform, according to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi in a recent interview. Tesla unveiled its Robotaxi platform last week, showcasing the Cybercab, a two-seated self-driving vehicle designed for ride-hailing services.
Despite Tesla’s intentions to launch its own ride-hailing platform, the relationship between the two companies has remained strong. Tesla has already integrated Uber into some of its vehicles to enhance the experience for drivers. In his conversation with the Financial Times, Khosrowshahi expressed optimism about future partnerships with Tesla and the broader autonomous driving industry, stating, “I’d love to have [the Cybercab Robotaxi] on the platform.”
Khosrowshahi acknowledged the challenges of competing with Elon Musk, remarking, “Obviously, competing with Elon Musk is no easy matter, and we take nothing for granted; we really want to partner with the autonomous industry.” He emphasized that while Uber would like to see the Cybercab included in their offerings, he believes the market will not be winner-takes-all. “We’d love to have it on the platform, but if not, I don’t think this is going to be a winner-take-all marketplace. We believe in the spirit of partnership; we’ll see what Tesla does.”
The ride-sharing industry is notoriously competitive, and Khosrowshahi pointed out that Tesla’s established brand and business model do not guarantee success in this new venture. In August, he highlighted Uber’s experience, stating, “It’s taken us 15 years. It’s taken us tens of billions of dollars of capital, and we can provide that instantly to a partner. Hopefully, Tesla will be one of those partners.”
If a partnership materializes, it could enable Tesla to utilize Uber’s platform to accelerate the deployment of driverless rides globally. As the autonomous vehicle landscape evolves, the potential for a collaboration between these two industry leaders could significantly impact the future of ride-hailing services.