> At a Glance
> – The Tensor Robocar will launch later this year as the first privately owned car that can also earn ride-hail fares on its own
> – Owners can flip between full autonomy and manual drive by sliding the dash screen to expose a steering wheel and pedals
> – Four interior screens, voice controls, and privacy switches for cameras and microphones come standard
> – Why it matters: It blends personal convenience with passive income, targeting buyers who want both luxury and a side hustle
The robotaxi market is about to gain its first consumer-owned entrant. At CES, Sophia A. Reynolds from News Of Los Angeles previewed the Tensor Robocar, a sleek silver-and-black EV that owners can send out-via a Lyft partnership-to ferry paying passengers while they sleep, work, or binge shows.
Dual-Mode Driving
Tap the dash and the screen glides aside, releasing a steering wheel and pedals. Tap again and the cockpit reverts to a lounge where every rider, minus the middle-seat occupant, gets a personal display. Overhead cameras enable video calls whether you’re in control or letting the car’s lidar, radar, and ultrasonic suite handle traffic.
- Switch time: under five seconds
- Manual option: fully mechanical, not drive-by-wire simulation
- Legroom: generous up front; average in back for 5’8″ adult
Privacy and Control
Tensor promises local processing of location, preferences, and records. If that’s not enough, physical covers and mic-off switches are within reach. Dozens of microphones inside and out await the “Hey Tensor” wake word, though the demo kept voice commands off-limits to press.
| Interface Type | Control Method | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Climate, windows, trunk | Voice | Promised, not demoed |
| Cameras | Physical shutter | Available |
| Microphones | Hardware kill switch | Available |
Earnings Play
An October deal with Lyft will let owners list their Robocars for autonomous pickups. Tesla floated a similar plan for its still-missing Robotaxi, but Tensor aims to deliver first-launching in select regions of the US, Europe, and UAE before 2025 ends. No price yet; the company calls it luxury-tier.
Key Takeaways
- First privately sold car that can moonlight as a robotaxi
- Manual mode is real, not a game-controller gimmick
- Privacy tech goes further than most production cars
- Lyft integration turns idle hours into potential income
Expect final specs and pricing closer to the on-sale date later this year.
