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Tesla buyers banned from ride-sharing with their vehicles

By Amy R. Connolly
Tesla's new self-driving system that will be available for some of its vehicles can only be used with the company's soon-to-be-released ride-sharing service, the company said. That includes the company's Model X and Model S, seen here. Photo from Tesla
Tesla's new self-driving system that will be available for some of its vehicles can only be used with the company's soon-to-be-released ride-sharing service, the company said. That includes the company's Model X and Model S, seen here. Photo from Tesla

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Tesla's new self-driving system that will be available for some of its vehicles can only be used with the company's soon-to-be-released ride-sharing service, Tesla said.

The announcement dashes hopes for anyone planning to purchase the new Tesla Model X or Model S electric vehicles, pay an extra $3,000 to $4,000 for equipment that will allow the vehicle to operate autonomously and earn money with Uber or Lyft. The company said the self-driving cars will only work on Tesla's network, expected to launch in 2017.

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"Please note that using a self-driving Tesla for car sharing and ride hailing for friends and family is fine, but doing so for revenue purposes will only be permissible on the Tesla Network, details of which will be released next year," the company said in a disclaimer.

Earlier this week, Tesla announced all of its vehicles in production will be equipped with self-driving capabilities for safety and as a means to cut down on fossil-fuel dependence.

The lowest level Model S electric vehicle has a base price of about $53,000. Upgrades, including the self-driving feature, add to the cost. The self-driving feature costs $3,000 in advance or $4,000 if installed after the car comes off the assembly line. Some of Tesla's new vehicles, including the Model S, may be eligible for tax credits.

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