A Tesla Model 3 is on the loose in the Big Apple operating as a taxi after this model was approved by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. It is possible that when Elon Musk spoke of a fleet of robotaxis by the end of 2020, he did not have this idea in his head.
At the moment, Tesla’s robotaxi is a Model 3 piloted by a human named Rami. The youtuber Sam Sheffer He wanted to try the experience as a passenger on board the electric car, publishing a video where he counts his experience.
The proud driver, Rami, declares that for the «it’s a dream to drive a Tesla»And confesses that likes. especially being the first to get behind the wheel of the first yellow Tesla that rolls through the streets of the iconic city.
The Model 3 converted to Taxi draws attention for its bright yellow bodywork, which brings originality to the limited palette of colors that the California manufacturer offers its buyers. Until the Berlin factory is put into operation it seems that the Tesla will not leave a color spectrum that, over time, becomes monotonous.
On the other hand, the car has all the elements that differentiate New York taxis, such as lights and identifier on the ceiling, interior security screen, etc. The electric car has a payment terminal at the rear and a counter with a receipt dispenser mounted on the dashboard.
Opening not suitable for all customers
One of the drawbacks who is finding Rami among his clients is the opening of the doors. The Tesla Model 3 has some handles that require a small learning curve. Once they are used a couple of times, the opening is instinctive and comfortable, but for those who do not know the system it is a barrier (especially for a public service). He body-integrated design of the opening handles for improve aerodynamic efficiency, you pay a price in terms of usability on behalf of the customer.
The same can be said for the interior opening of the doors that in this model is done by pressing a button.
Unfortunately the Model 3 like the rest of New York taxis, does not have automatic doors that all taxis (regardless of their era) have in Tokyo. In Japan it is very frowned upon for the customer to knock on the door both to enter and to exit the vehicle. The driver is responsible for opening or closing with a button. In the United States this is not done and the Model 3 is not accessible to all customers the first time.
The cold takes its toll on the battery
Regarding autonomy, Rami recognizes that the autonomy of his taxi has been reduced during his day to day with the arrival of the cold that characterizes New York winters. The driver charges superchargers daily reaching a range of 386 km (240 miles) according to the Tesla’s on-board computer.
In real use in a complicated city like New York that requires a lot of acceleration to get around the busy city traffic, but the driver acknowledges that «386 km is not exactly 386»Ensuring that«386 mean 128 km drivingespecially at low temperatures«.
Rami’s car has become popular in the city being possibly one of the most photographed taxis, as recognized by the driver by the comments and reactions of New Yorkers when seeing him circulate through the Big Apple.
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