Tesla is not just a car company. It is also a technology company that is constantly innovating and developing new products and services using artificial intelligence (AI). AI is the ability of machines to learn from data and perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as recognizing objects, understanding speech, or making decisions.
Tesla uses AI models to power its Full Self-Driving (FSD) features, which enable its cars to drive autonomously in various scenarios, such as navigating traffic, changing lanes, parking, or avoiding obstacles. Tesla also uses AI models to optimize its battery performance, solar power generation, and energy storage systems.
But what if we told you that Tesla’s AI models can also make you money while you sleep? Yes, you read that right.
Tesla car owners can potentially generate revenue from AI models in two ways, by participating in Tesla’s Virtual Cloud Compute (VCC) program, or by joining Tesla’s robotaxi network. This article will explore how these two programs work and how much money you can expect to earn from them.
Tesla’s Virtual Cloud computing (VCC) program
Tesla’s Virtual Cloud Compute (VCC) program is a concept that Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, hinted at in a tweet in November 2023.
He suggested that the FSD computers that are in all Tesla cars can be used to run AI models when the cars are not in use, such as when they are parked or charging. This would create a distributed network of computing power that can be utilized for various purposes, such as scientific research, gaming, or entertainment. Tesla car owners who participate in the VCC program would share in the revenue generated by the use of their car’s computing resources.
According to some estimates, Tesla car owners could make about $400 per year participating in the VCC program using the current HW3 chip, and up to $1000 per year using the future HW4 chip. This would reduce the cost of ownership by 10-12%. However, there are also some challenges and uncertainties associated with the VCC program, such as the security, privacy, and legal implications of sharing the car’s computing power, as well as the impact on the car’s battery life and performance.
Tesla’s robotaxi network
Tesla’s robotaxi network is another concept that Elon Musk has been talking about for years. He envisions a future where Tesla car owners can allow their cars to join a fleet of autonomous taxis that can pick up and drop off passengers on demand, earning money for the owners while they are not using the cars. Tesla’s robotaxi network would leverage its FSD features, as well as its software platform and mobile app, to create a seamless and convenient transportation service.
Tesla’s robotaxi network could potentially generate a lot of revenue for car owners, as well as for Tesla itself.
Musk has claimed that a Tesla car could earn up to $30,000 per year as a robotaxi, depending on the location and utilization rate. He also said that Tesla would take a 25-30% cut of the revenue, similar to other ride-hailing platforms like Uber or Lyft.
However, there are also many hurdles and risks involved in launching and operating a robotaxi network, such as the regulatory, technical, and social challenges of ensuring the safety, reliability, and acceptance of autonomous vehicles.
The future of Tesla’s AI models
Tesla is a pioneer and leader in the field of AI, and it is using its AI models to create innovative and valuable products and services for its customers. Tesla car owners can potentially benefit from Tesla’s AI models not only by enjoying the enhanced features and performance of their cars but also by generating revenue from them. However, there are also many unknowns and challenges associated with Tesla’s AI models and their potential applications, and it remains to be seen how they will unfold in the future.
One of the latest developments in Tesla’s AI endeavors is its new supercomputer, which is going live today.
The supercomputer will feature 10,000 Nvidia H100 compute GPUs, which will offer a peak performance of 340 FP64 PFLOPS for technical computing and 39.58 INT8 ExaFLOPS for AI applications.
This will make it one of the most powerful machines in the world, and it will be used to train and update Tesla’s AI models faster than ever. The supercomputer will also pave the way for Tesla’s own custom-designed system-on-chips, which will power its next-generation AI project, Dojo. Dojo will not only accelerate FSD training but will also manage data processing for Tesla’s entire vehicle fleet.
Tesla is also bringing AI to its cars in the shape of Grok, an AI assistant modeled after the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Grok is designed to answer questions with a bit of wit and has a rebellious streak, so please don’t use it if you hate humor. Grok will be able to interact with the drivers and passengers, as well as control the car’s functions and features.
Tesla’s AI models are not static, but constantly evolving and improving through data collection and feedback. Tesla collects data from its fleet of millions of cars, which act as sensors and provide valuable information about real-world driving conditions. Tesla then uses this data to train and update its AI models, which are then deployed to the cars via over-the-air software updates. This way, Tesla can continuously enhance its products and services without requiring physical intervention from the customers.
How to get started with Tesla’s AI models
If you are interested in making money from your Tesla car using AI models, you might be wondering how to get started.
Here are some steps you can take to join Tesla’s VCC program or robotaxi network
- To participate in the VCC program, you need to have a Tesla car with the FSD computer, which is standard in all Tesla cars since April 2019. You also need to have a Tesla account and a VCC app, which you can download from the Tesla website or app store. You can then register your car for the VCC program and set your preferences, such as when and how long you want to share your car’s computing power, and what kind of AI models you want to run. You will also be able to monitor your car’s activity and earnings through the app.
- To join the robotaxi network, you need to have a Tesla car with the FSD package, which is an optional upgrade that costs $10,000. You also need to have a Tesla account and a robotaxi app, which you can download from the Tesla website or app store. You can then register your car for the robotaxi network and set your preferences, such as when and where you want to offer your car as a robotaxi, and what kind of passengers you want to accept. You will also be able to monitor your car’s activity and earnings through the app.
Are the two methods of making money with the car available yet?
Before we conclude, you might be wondering if the two methods of making money with the car using AI models are available yet. The answer is no, they are not. Both the VCC program and the robotaxi network are still concepts and not realities, and they depend on various factors, such as regulatory approval, technical feasibility, and customer demand.
The VCC program is a concept that Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, hinted at in a tweet in November 2023.
He suggested that the FSD computers that are in all Tesla cars can be used to run AI models when the cars are not in use, such as when they are parked or charging. This would create a distributed network of computing power that can be utilized for various purposes, such as scientific research, gaming, or entertainment.
Tesla car owners who participate in the VCC program would share in the revenue generated by the use of their car’s computing resources. However, there is no official announcement or timeline for the launch of the VCC program, and it is unclear how it would work in practice.
The robotaxi network is another concept that Elon Musk has been talking about for years.
He envisions a future where Tesla car owners can allow their cars to join a fleet of autonomous taxis that can pick up and drop off passengers on demand, earning money for the owners while they are not using the cars.
Tesla’s robotaxi network would leverage its FSD features, as well as its software platform and mobile app, to create a seamless and convenient transportation service. However, there are also many hurdles and risks involved in launching and operating a robotaxi network, such as the regulatory, technical, and social challenges of ensuring the safety, reliability, and acceptance of autonomous vehicles. Musk has claimed that Tesla could launch its robotaxi network by 2020, but that deadline has passed without any progress. The current status and timeline of the robotaxi network are unknown.
Therefore, it is hard to say when the two methods of making money with the car will be available to do so. It will depend on how Tesla develops and deploys its AI models, and how it navigates the legal and market environment. It is possible that Tesla will announce more details about its VCC program or robotaxi network in the future, but until then, they remain speculative and uncertain.
Please note that this section is based on estimates and projections, and not on actual data or experience. You should also be aware of the ethical, social, and environmental implications of using AI models, and how they might affect you and others. You should also consult with your local laws and regulations, as well as your insurance and warranty policies before you participate in Tesla’s VCC program or robotaxi network. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own car and your own choices, and you should use Tesla’s AI models wisely and responsibly.
Implications and Future Directions
Tesla is a car company that is also a technology company. It is using artificial intelligence (AI) to create new products and services that enhance the features and performance of its cars, and also create new opportunities for its customers to generate revenue from them. However, these opportunities are not available yet, and they depend on various factors, such as regulatory approval, technical feasibility, and customer demand. Therefore, they require careful consideration and evaluation before deciding to use them.
Tesla’s AI models are also advancing and expanding to new domains, such as supercomputing, Dojo, and Grok. These projects will enable Tesla to train and update its AI models faster than ever and to bring AI to its cars in the shape of an assistant that can interact with the drivers and passengers. Tesla is truly at the forefront of AI innovation, and it is exciting to see what it will do next.
Thank
you for reading.
Best,
Nexa-Hub
