Today was a long day.
I was trying to pick up my son when my 2016 Chevy Silverado decided it had other plans. As some of you may know, I drive a Silverado and let me give you some free advice…. research that year range before buying one….*sighs*
Transmission problems, repair bills, and plenty of stress. I really wish I had done more research before getting mine.
After leaving my truck at the repair shop, I ordered an Uber Comfort ride home. I normally choose Comfort because regular Uber can sometimes feel like an outdoor ride lol
Listen, when it is almost 100 degrees outside, rolling down the windows is not air conditioning. Call me bougie, but I have been on Earth for over 30 years. I enjoy cool air.
A very nice Tesla pulled up to get me. This was probably my third or fourth time riding in one, so I was already interested.
Then I noticed something.
The driver’s hands were barely touching the steering wheel on the route home.
I went from comfortable to concerned in about two seconds.
I asked, “Hey, how are you doing that?”
He laughed and explained that the Tesla was using its driver assistance system. The car was steering, changing lanes, slowing down, speeding up, and following the route.
Meanwhile, he stayed alert and watched the road.
That part is important. Tesla calls the system Full Self Driving (Supervised), but the driver is still responsible. He cannot fall asleep, play on his phone, or stop paying attention.
Still, watching it work blew my mind.
The Tesla drove me from Clayton County to my home in McDonough. We went through a good amount of traffic, and the vehicle handled the trip smoothly.
That is when I started thinking about what Uber, Lyft, and taxi drivers normally deal with all day.
They are constantly watching traffic, checking the map, choosing lanes, looking for turns, avoiding bad drivers, finding pickup spots, and trying not to miss an exit. They may spend hours driving up and down the road while also trying to keep passengers comfortable and safe.
That can be mentally exhausting.
This driver still had to watch the road, but the Tesla handled many of those small driving decisions. He seemed less like a traditional driver and more like a supervisor making sure the system stayed on track.
Ladies and gentlemen, I think Tesla and other electric vehicle companies may have broken the code for side hustles. (or perhaps full time)
Maybe I am late to the party. Maybe people have known about this hack for years. But I could not stop thinking about it.
Isn’t that the name of the game?
Find a way to make good money without wearing yourself down. Work smarter, reduce stress, and allow technology to handle some of the hardest parts.
This man bought a used Tesla, kept it clean, and used it to pick up passengers. The vehicle helped with the traffic, directions, braking, speed, and lane changes. He could focus more on the passenger experience and less on every movement of the car.
Of course, this is not exactly free money.
A driver still has a car payment, insurance, charging costs, cleaning, maintenance, taxes, and slow days. The driver must also stay awake, alert, and ready to take control.
But I still see the business opportunity.
A person could use a Tesla for Uber, Lyft, airport rides, package delivery, or a private transportation business. Dress professionally, help with bags, keep the car clean, and create a high quality experience.
The car handles more of the road. The person handles the customer.
My truck breaking down was frustrating, but that Tesla ride gave me a front row look at the future of work.
I am not saying I am buying a Tesla tomorrow.
But this ride today definitely got me thinking about some ideas…
