Uber CEO Optimistic About Potential Tesla Partnership for Robotaxi Service

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has expressed confidence in the possibility of collaborating with Tesla and Elon Musk as Uber prepares to launch its own robotaxi service.

In an interview with technology analyst Ben Thompson, Khosrowshahi acknowledged Tesla’s competitive strengths but emphasized that economic principles apply to all companies, including Musk’s electric vehicle firm.

Potential Collaboration Between Tesla and Uber

Musk had previously announced plans for Tesla’s autonomous taxi service, known as the Cybercab, with a scheduled rollout in Austin, Texas, this June. While Tesla has not officially disclosed whether it intends to integrate its robotaxis with ride-hailing platforms, Khosrowshahi suggested that listing Tesla vehicles on Uber’s network would be financially advantageous for the automaker.

He noted that vehicles operating across multiple platforms tend to generate higher revenue, explaining that maximizing a car’s earnings helps reduce capital costs. Drawing a comparison to the food delivery industry, he pointed out that major chains like McDonald’s, despite having their own apps, still collaborate with third-party services like Uber Eats and DoorDash to increase sales. He suggested that Tesla might adopt a similar approach by leveraging Uber’s extensive customer base while maintaining its own direct service.

Khosrowshahi also indicated that he hoped both logical economic arguments and positive engagement would encourage Tesla to consider working with Uber. He added that Tesla would still be free to maintain an independent service while benefiting from Uber’s platform.

Implications for the Ride-Hailing Industry

As Tesla moves forward with its robotaxi ambitions, Uber appears to be positioning itself as a potential partner rather than a direct competitor. However, if Tesla chooses to keep its service exclusive, it could present a challenge to Uber’s long-term strategy in autonomous mobility.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, a group of investors led by Elon Musk has reportedly made an unsolicited offer to acquire the nonprofit controlling OpenAI for $97.4 billion.

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