Tesla is teaming up with Uber to offer free credits to drivers who decide to switch to a Model Y or Model 3.
Details of the Offer
Uber drivers who qualify will receive $1,000 in Tesla Credits when they take delivery of a new Model 3 or Model Y. Once they complete 100 Uber trips using their new Tesla, they will earn an additional $1,000 in cash.
These Uber drivers who choose the Model Y or Model 3 can use their Tesla Credits for charging costs, services at a Tesla center, buying a new Tesla, or various accessories. It’s important for them to maintain good standing with Uber. This initiative is also beneficial for Tesla, as many Uber drivers are increasingly utilizing Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature, which allows them to work longer hours with less effort.
Impact on Driving Data
As more Uber drivers adopt the Model Y or Model 3, the number of miles logged with Full Self-Driving (FSD) will grow significantly. This data will be valuable for Tesla in its regulatory filings. The company is working hard to persuade state authorities that FSD is safer than human drivers, which is crucial for the approval of their upcoming Robotaxi service for use on city streets. Tesla aims to achieve this milestone in the upcoming quarters, allowing for the introduction of unsupervised FSD.
By doing so, Tesla plans to enable Model Y and Model 3 owners to participate in its emerging Cybercab ride-share platform, providing demonstration rides to test the service while waiting for the Robotaxi launch.
Challenges Ahead
However, Tesla will need to accumulate a significant amount of distance covered using FSD and ensure a notable increase in safely driven miles before receiving approval for unsupervised FSD in urban areas. One effective way to reach these targets is to encourage Uber drivers to purchase Model Ys or Model 3s, knowing they will likely be motivated to use FSD.
This strategy explains the newly created section for Uber drivers on Tesla's website, where they can find an offer of up to $2,000 in free credits toward the purchase of a Model Y or Model 3.
Despite Uber's CEO expressing skepticism about the profitability of Tesla’s ride-share model, particularly concerning a driverless Robotaxi, Tesla is tackling the challenge another way—by incentivizing Uber drivers to select its vehicles and accumulate FSD miles.
