In a significant move to enhance the ridesharing experience, Tesla and Uber have announced a groundbreaking integration that brings Uber’s navigation system directly into Tesla vehicles. This collaboration aims to streamline the driving process for the growing number of Uber drivers using Tesla cars.
The Rise of Teslas in Uber’s Fleet
The popularity of Tesla vehicles among Uber drivers has been on the upswing, driven by several factors:
- Hertz’s substantial investment in 100,000 Tesla vehicles for its fleet
- Collaborative discounts offered by Uber and Tesla to drivers
- Attractive subsidies and reduced fuel costs in various markets
In some cities, like Montreal, Tesla vehicles have become a common sight for Uber riders, with reports suggesting that every other Uber ride arrives in a Tesla.
The New Integration
Previously, Uber drivers using Teslas had to juggle between their phones for the Uber Driver app and the car’s built-in navigation system. The new integration addresses this inconvenience with two key features:
- Automatic Navigation Transfer: Once a driver accepts a trip request on their phone, the pickup and dropoff information is automatically sent to the Tesla’s onboard screen.
- Battery-Aware Trip Matching: The Uber app can now access the Tesla’s current battery range, ensuring that drivers only receive trip requests within their vehicle’s current range capability.
Uber announced these features with the following statements:
“Enjoy bigger and bolder navigation. Once you accept a trip request on your phone, pickup and dropoff info will be sent to your Tesla screen automatically.”
“When you connect the Uber app to your Tesla, you can enable battery-aware matching so you’ll only see trip requests within your Tesla’s battery range.”
How to Activate the Feature
Drivers can enable this integration through a simple process in the Uber app:
- Navigate to Menu > Account > Vehicles
- Under Eligible Vehicles, select the Connect button next to your Tesla
- Choose Continue to Tesla on the following screen
- Log in to your Tesla account to grant access to Smartcar and the Uber app
- Check the boxes for Vehicle Information and Vehicle Commands, then select Allow
Behind the Scenes
The integration is facilitated by Smartcar, an API for cars that acts as an intermediary between Tesla and Uber. This partnership extends beyond navigation, with Tesla and Uber also collaborating on data sharing to optimize the placement of charging stations in high-demand areas like New York City.
This integration marks a significant step forward in the evolution of ridesharing technology, promising a more seamless and efficient experience for both drivers and passengers.
