A Las Vegas-based Uber driver, known as Rob, has made headlines after purchasing six Teslas equipped with full-self driving capabilities. In a viral TikTok video, Rob shared his insights on how these vehicles can generate passive income, particularly once Tesla’s Robotaxi service expands beyond its current testing areas.
During a ride, Rob engaged in a conversation with a passenger who expressed curiosity about his fleet of electric vehicles. The passenger was surprised to learn that Rob owned six Teslas within a short span. Rob explained that his business model includes renting these vehicles to other Uber drivers, allowing him to profit from their use while also actively utilizing the self-driving capabilities for his own rides.
Rob mentioned that the second phase of his plan hinges on the anticipated rollout of fully autonomous driving without a human driver in the vehicle. He stated, “Once these cars can drive themselves, I can put them on a Robotaxi network.” This service, which Tesla launched in March 2023 in Austin, Texas, currently operates with a limited number of vehicles offering rides at an affordable price.
The Robotaxi program in Austin features around 20 Model Ys providing rides from 06:00 to midnight. These taxis are currently supervised by human drivers, but Rob believes the future will see fully autonomous vehicles operating independently. He anticipates significant earnings from this model, emphasizing that Tesla’s Robotaxi services could revolutionize the ride-hailing industry.
While the prospect of generating passive income through Robotaxis excites Rob, he acknowledged that this option is not yet available. Elon Musk has indicated that the opportunity for owners to generate income from their vehicles will be available in the near future. Currently, the pilot program exclusively uses Tesla’s own cars.
Rob’s financing strategy also caught the attention of his passenger. He shared that he purchased his latest Tesla, valued at $58,000, with a down payment of $5,000 and secured a remarkably low interest rate of 1.99% APR. This financial arrangement allows him to expand his fleet, increasing his potential earnings.
As they continued their discussion, Rob highlighted the advantages of Tesla’s full-self driving technology. He stated that he uses this feature between 95% to 100% of the time while driving for Uber. The only instances when he intervenes are during complex maneuvers, such as navigating parking garages.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Robotaxi services, there are concerns regarding safety and reliability. Reports have emerged detailing erratic behavior from the Robotaxi fleet during initial tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating these issues, as safety remains a critical concern for potential users.
Commenters on Rob’s TikTok video expressed skepticism about the feasibility of Robotaxis in various locations, highlighting potential challenges such as weather conditions and liability issues. Rob responded to these concerns by detailing his preparedness for potential accidents, estimating a conservative accident rate in his business model.
As Rob continues to navigate the evolving landscape of autonomous driving and ride-sharing, he remains optimistic about the future. With plans to expand his Tesla fleet and leverage the upcoming Robotaxi capabilities, he aims to transform his driving side hustle into a lucrative business venture.
