Tesla workers are already hailing robotaxis as part of a test program, Musk says. But a full-blown service requires regulatory approval and could face challenges.

“For Tesla employees in the Bay Area, we already are offering a ride-hailing capability,” Musk said on the company’s third-quarter earnings call on Wednesday. “With the development app, you can request a ride, and it’ll take you anywhere in the Bay Area,” he said, noting that these employee test rides include safety drivers.

But less than 24 hours before the call, its CEO Elon Musk displayed that he was still hard at work on another personal venture that had recently tickled his fancy: politics. 💰

Tesla shares soared 19% Thursday, putting it on pace for its best day in more than three years, following its better-than-expected third-quarter earnings.

By Akash Sriram, Abhirup Roy (Reuters) -Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he expects vehicle sales to grow 20% to 30% next year, reassuring investors the company was improving its core business of selling electric vehicles profitably,