Tesla Robotaxi: The Next Trillion-Dollar Platform?
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THE CONTEXT
Once in a while, an event signals the dawn of a transformative era in day-to-day living.
One such moment was when a Tesla car self-drove out of a Tesla factory in Texas, relying solely on its cameras for navigation and delivered itself at the doorstep of its new owner's home about 30 minutes away.
Watch:
This is self-driving tech using cameras only -- as opposed to a mix of lidar, radar, cameras, etc found in robotaxis operated by the likes of Waymo in the US and Baidu in China.
Tesla's self-driving tech, currently in the early days of being commercialised through its robotaxis, raises a question: What sort of disruptive future will it create?
Co-Founder & Chief Investment Officer at Brilliant Advice,Cern Basher offers insights that point to an amazing transformation, as posted recently on X.
He explores how robotaxis could change not just transportation, but the entire way we shop, get entertained, and interact with our cities—potentially creating an economic ecosystem even bigger than Apple’s App Store.
The following are highlights from his post on X:
The Apple App Store Comparison
Apple’s App Store is a platform where people buy apps, games, and services for their iPhones and iPads.
In 2024, the App Store helped move about US$1.3 trillion in commerce, but Apple only took a commission on about 10% of that.
The real power of the App Store is that it lets other businesses build on top of Apple’s platform, creating a huge economy around it.
How Robotaxi Could Be Even Bigger
Tesla’s Robotaxi platform is similar to the App Store, but with some key differences that could make it even more powerful: Tesla can be both the platform owner and a service provider.
This means Tesla can earn money not just from letting others use its platform, but also from providing services directly.
Four Big Ways Robotaxi Will Change Things
1. Delivery Services: The New Logistics Network
Robotaxis won’t just move people—they can deliver packages, groceries, meals, and more.
With no driver, delivery costs drop, making it cheaper and faster for businesses and customers.
Companies like DoorDash, FedEx, and Instacart could use Robotaxis to deliver their goods.
Big retailers (Walmart, Target, Home Depot) could partner with Tesla for same-day deliveries, competing with giants like Amazon.
Tesla earns money by charging fees for each delivery or through subscription models.
2. In-Car Commerce: Shopping on the Move
The inside of a Robotaxi becomes a mini marketplace.
Passengers could order coffee, buy event tickets, or shop for products while riding.
For example, you could order a coffee to be ready at your destination or buy concert tickets on the way to the venue.
Tesla could take a small cut from each transaction, just like Apple does with in-app purchases.
Businesses like Starbucks, Ticketmaster, Amazon, and Airbnb could benefit from this new way to reach customers.
3. In-Car Entertainment: A New Content Platform
Since you don’t have to drive, you can watch movies, play games, or listen to music during your ride.
Tesla could partner with companies like Netflix, Spotify, or gaming firms to offer entertainment, sharing subscription or ad revenue.
Tesla might also create its own content hub, offering exclusive experiences for passengers.
Advertisers could target passengers with location-based ads, making the most of your attention during rides.
4. Data Collection: The Ultimate Sensor Network
Robotaxis are packed with sensors and cameras, collecting real-time data on traffic, consumer habits, and city conditions.
This data is valuable for businesses, city planners, and advertisers.
Tesla could sell insights to retailers (where to open new stores), cities (how to improve traffic), or advertisers (targeted ads).
Unlike Apple, Tesla could directly monetize this data, creating a new high-margin revenue stream.
Screenshot of posts by the new Tesla owner Jose and Elon Musk's follow-up post. Tesla said the vehicle reached a max speed of 72 miles per hour (116 km per hour).
The Bigger Picture: A Network of Networks
• As more Robotaxis hit the road, the platform becomes more valuable, enabling new types of interactions and services.
• The ecosystem could grow to handle trillions of dollars in commerce, possibly surpassing the economic impact of the App Store.
• Tesla would earn from rides, deliveries, in-car purchases, and data sales, but the total economic activity enabled by the platform could be much larger
Tesla’s Robotaxi platform isn’t just about self-driving cars.
It’s about building a foundation for a new kind of economy—one where transportation, shopping, entertainment, and data all come together in ways we’re only beginning to imagine.
If successful, Robotaxi could put Tesla at the center of a massive, interconnected ecosystem, changing how we live, work, and play
Screenshot of posts by the new Tesla owner Jose and Elon Musk's follow-up post. Tesla said the vehicle reached a max speed of 72 miles per hour (116 km per hour).
