Tesla to Not Allow Cybercabs on Uber, According to Uber CEO

February 24, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi recently spoke at the Future Investment Initiative Institute Priority conference, where he discussed Tesla’s robotaxi network and its integration with Cybercabs. While Tesla has said that it would sell Cybercabs directly to customers in addition to adding them to the Robotaxi network itself, Khosrowshahi said that Musk is not open to adding Cybercabs to Uber’s platform.

They want to build it alone, so to some extent in Austin, we and Waymo will be competing with Tesla when they launch. — Uber CEO

Tesla App, not Uber App

Tesla is developing its own app to launch the Robotaxi network. While Tesla itself has not said it would be against partnering with Uber or other rideshare platforms, it certainly doesn’t want to rely on them for any parts of the process. The Robotaxi network will initially roll out in Austin, Texas, with Tesla’s Cybercab fleet set to hit the roads this June.

Tesla’s executive team has repeatedly emphasized—both during the Q4 2024 Earnings Call and at other events—that their vision for autonomy requires full control over the entire user experience. From summoning a ride in the Tesla app to the Cybercab arriving, transporting passengers, and completing the trip, every aspect of the journey is meant to remain under Tesla’s control.

The Flipside

There are some advantages to integrating Tesla’s autonomous vehicles with Uber’s platform, and Khosrowshahi highlighted them. Economically, it would make sense—Uber already has a massive, established user base, something Tesla currently lacks.

Tesla will be entering a competitive market where riders are already accustomed to using platforms like Uber, which has their payment information stored and ready to go. Convincing users to switch to Tesla’s in-house Robotaxi service could be a challenge. While the novelty of Tesla’s offering may attract some early adopters, long-term success will require a shift in consumer habits.

However, let’s not underestimate what motivates consumers. If Tesla can make their rides more convenient, safer, or drastically cheaper, consumers will quickly adapt.

Tesla’s Advantage

To maintain momentum beyond the initial novelty, Tesla must deliver an exceptional end-to-end experience. Otherwise, riders may revert to familiar services after trying out Tesla’s robotaxis. This could be one of the rare instances where Tesla needs to move cautiously rather than embracing its typical “move fast and break things” approach. Public acceptance of autonomous vehicles remains limited, and widespread adoption will require a combination of education, reliability, and a seamless user experience.

Fortunately, Tesla is well-positioned to meet these challenges, and the Cybercab is designed with the average rideshare user in mind. With a spacious, comfortable, and easy-to-clean interior, it offers a premium experience—without the premium price tag.

Tesla has stated its goal of lowering the cost of Robotaxi rides to as little as eight cents per mile—an incredibly low figure, even compared to subsidized public transit in major cities. If Tesla can achieve this price point, affordability will become a major selling point, long after the novelty factor fades.

Ultimately, Tesla’s Robotaxi service has the potential to be a game-changer. While excitement and curiosity may drive early adoption, it’s the economic advantage—offering a lower-cost alternative to Uber and traditional rideshare services—that will keep customers coming back.

Norway Approves Tesla’s FSD Testing on Public Roads; Potential for Europe-Wide Deployment

April 26, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

According to filings found by Kees Roelandschap on X, Tesla has obtained a 2-year exemption from UNECE autonomy regulations to run FSD Supervised on public roads in Norway. This marks one of the first positive developments for regulations and autonomy in Europe — great news for European customers.

Previously, European transportation agencies stressed additional caution and requested more time to legislate, further delaying the widespread UNECE regulation changes for autonomous vehicles.

Norwegian FSD - Employees Only

Following the recent approval from the Norwegian Road Authority, Tesla will be permitted to use its Supervised vehicles on public roads in a testing capacity. This exemption does not yet apply to customers, so we will have to wait and see how testing progresses.

Tesla will specifically be allowed to run FSD V13 and its derivative builds (meaning AI4 vehicles only) with automated steering and speed controls on EU-registered and approved vehicles.

Tesla will also be required to have Tesla-trained drivers (employees) conduct the testing. There is no specific policy in place that enables the use of FSD for customers at this time. However, as testing is conducted and bureaucratic hurdles are overcome across various transportation departments, Tesla may be able to extend the offer to European customers. According to Tesla’s latest earnings call, the company still plans to release FSD in Europe by the end of the year.

Tesla has already begun testing in the Netherlands, showing off FSD’s capabilities in Amsterdam.

FSD Supervised in Europe, pending regulatory approval pic.twitter.com/PYkcATjSUN
— Tesla Europe & Middle East (@teslaeurope) April 5, 2025

Article 39 Exemption

The UNECE can grant exemptions for innovative technologies that move faster than legislation under Article 39. However, Tesla requires the backing of a national ministry of transport to bring this to the UNECE’s attention. The next round of voting on critical issues is expected on May 12, 2025, which may not leave Tesla much time to present its findings to UNECE.

We don’t expect Tesla to receive authorization immediately. It may take several weeks or months of testing from the Netherlands or Norway teams before one of the two countries is willing to support Tesla’s exemption bid.

However, if Tesla achieves an Article 39 exemption, it could allow Tesla to roll out FSD to customers across Europe, provided there are no country-level exemptions.

Tesla Reintroduces FSD Transfers in North America

April 25, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Following customer requests, Tesla has once again returned FSD Transfers for North America. This comes after some new details we received on FSD Supervised and Unsupervised at the recent Q1 2025 Earnings Call.

Vox Populi, Vox Dei … FSD Transfer is back

All countries (in NA), all S3XY + @cybertruck (excl Foundation Series & Launch Series)
— Tesla North America (@tesla_na) April 25, 2025

FSD Transfers

This latest round of FSD transfers doesn’t have a specific time limit - so if you’re in the market for a new vehicle and were worried about transferring FSD from a HW3 vehicle - now is the best chance.

This transfer opportunity is applicable for any new vehicle purchases, including the Model S, 3, X, Y, as well as the Cybertruck. The only vehicles it doesn’t apply to are the Foundation-Series Cybertruck or a Launch-Series Model Y, which already come with FSD included.

If you’re conducting an FSD transfer, you’ll need to reach out to your Tesla delivery coordinator through the Tesla app to confirm you’re eligible and to get the process started.

Note that once you take delivery, FSD access is removed from your older vehicle, regardless if you plan to trade in your vehicle or keep it.

Canada and Mexico

For those in Canada and Mexico, there’s some good news. This opportunity is available for customers in those countries as well, however, new vehicle orders are currently paused in Canada and Mexico for unknown reasons.