Part 3/8:
The Operational Strategy
By maintaining ownership of the fleet in the early stages, Tesla can effectively manage supply and demand and mitigate any unforeseen challenges. Given the uncertainties inherent in the provision of autonomous services, controlling the fleet enables flexibility—from ceasing rides if maintenance is needed to managing service levels across different markets. This strategy follows a growth path similar to that of competitors like Waymo, which began operations with human drivers before advancing toward full autonomy.
Notably, while Tesla has the approval to test vehicles with a safety driver in California, it has yet to receive regulatory clearance for completely driverless operations—a crucial distinction as commercial launch approaches.