On October 10, 2024, Elon Musk introduced Tesla's latest model, the Cybercab, during an event titled "We, Robot" held in a Hollywood studio.
The Cybercab is an autonomous robotaxi, and Musk showcased a fleet of 50 autonomous vehicles, allowing attendees to experience rides in the robotaxi around Warner Bros. studio. The Cybercab features falcon-wing doors, similar to the Model X, and lacks traditional pedals and a steering wheel, resembling a compact version of the Cybertruck.
Musk announced that the Cybercab would be priced under $30,000, making it Tesla's most affordable model yet. He emphasized that autonomous transportation could be significantly safer and more cost-effective, allowing users to engage in activities like reading or working while traveling.
Production of the Cybercab is set to begin before 2027. Additionally, Musk presented the Robovan, an autonomous electric van designed for mass transport, which utilizes contactless wireless charging technology.
The event also featured humanoid robots, known as Optimus, which interacted with guests and served drinks. Musk indicated that these robots could take on various roles, including childcare and household tasks, with a price range of $20,000 to $30,000. He noted that advancements in artificial intelligence are expected to lower production costs, making a wider array of goods and services accessible.
However, Musk's ambitious timelines have a history of being overly optimistic. In 2015, he projected fully autonomous vehicles would be available by 2017, a timeline that has faced delays due to regulatory issues. Currently, while Tesla vehicles are equipped with autopilot features, a driver is still required for specific situations, raising skepticism about future promises.
Tesla remains a leader in the U.S. electric vehicle market, while competitors like Waymo and Cruise have already launched autonomous taxi services in select areas.