Tasha's Take On Tesla's FSD 13 | The Brainstorm EP 71
Dec 13, 2024
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Tasha Keeney, ARK Director of Investment Analysis & Institutional Strategies, dives deep into Tesla's groundbreaking Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. She discusses the ambitious features of FSD version 13 and the skepticism surrounding its launch. The conversation moves to the vital infrastructure needed for a successful Robotaxi service, including innovative charging solutions. Keeney also explores Tesla's strategic plans for fleet utilization and ride-hailing innovations, hinting at a market launch around 2025-2026. This is a must-listen for tech enthusiasts!
Tesla's FSD version 13 represents a major advance towards full autonomy, despite skepticism regarding its current imperfections and the need for human oversight.
The proposed robo-taxi service will utilize both Tesla's fleet and customer-owned vehicles, reflecting societal shifts towards ride-hailing and reduced interest in car ownership.
Deep dives
Tesla's Full Self-Driving Version 13 Launch
Tesla has begun releasing version 13 of its full self-driving (FSD) software to early testers, marking a significant milestone towards achieving full autonomy. This version introduces new capabilities, allowing the vehicle to start from a parked position, shift gears, and park upon reaching the destination. Key skeptics remain doubtful about Tesla's readiness for launch due to the current imperfections in FSD, such as required human intervention under specific conditions. However, it is anticipated that Tesla may implement a system of remote operators, similar to models employed by other autonomous driving companies, allowing for a more manageable launch despite the software not being fully perfected.
Infrastructure Challenges for Robo-Taxi Implementation
The discussion highlights the logistical needs surrounding the rollout of a robo-taxi network, particularly the charging infrastructure required to support a fleet of autonomous vehicles. Wireless charging was unveiled as a potential solution, enabling cars to autonomously recharge without human intervention. In the initial launch phase, it’s expected that Tesla will use existing infrastructure and possibly include human-operated charging and cleaning to support efficient operations. This phased approach will enable Tesla to gradually integrate more advanced solutions as the service expands and matures.
The Future of Tesla's Fleet Model
Tesla plans to leverage both its own fleet and customer-owned vehicles for its robo-taxi service, creating a model that encourages current owners to opt their cars in for supplementary income. The conversation suggests that while Tesla may initiate its service with its own vehicles, customer participation will be crucial to meet demand effectively. This approach aligns with broader societal trends where younger generations are showing less interest in car ownership, further supporting a shift towards ride-hailing services. Moreover, as Tesla continues to innovate, this fleet model may attract entrepreneurial individuals eager to invest in and operate fleets of Tesla vehicles in urban areas.
How good is Tesla autopilot? This week, Autonomous Technology and Robotics Director of Research Sam Korus and Associate Portfolio Manager Nick Grous are joined by ARK Director of Investment Analysis & Institutional Strategies Tasha Keeney to discuss Tesla's latest advancements in full self-driving (FSD) technology, particularly focusing on version 13. The conversation highlights the skepticism surrounding the launch, the infrastructure needed for a successful Robotaxi service, and the potential for a fleet model. The episode concludes with insights on the commercialization timeline and market impact of Tesla's innovations.
If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Public.com. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.
Key Points From This Episode:
Tesla's FSD version 13 is a significant step towards full autonomy.
Remote operators may be used to assist during the initial launch.
Tesla's vertical integration gives it a competitive edge over rivals.
Market dynamics may shift significantly with the introduction of Robotaxi services.
For more updates on Public.com:
Website: https://public.com/
YouTube: @publicinvest
Twitter: https://twitter.com/public
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