Los Angeles, CA - Tesla has introduced its latest innovation, the Cybercab, during the "We, Robot" event at Warner Bros. Studios. CEO Elon Musk revealed that the Cybercab is a fully autonomous electric vehicle, also referred to as a Robotaxi. The vehicle was showcased as it autonomously navigated mock-up streets before arriving on stage.
The Cybercab features butterfly wing doors and notably lacks a steering wheel and pedals, reinforcing its autonomous design. It is intended for passengers to enjoy a lounge-like experience, complete with a large display similar to current Tesla models. The vehicle utilizes wireless induction for charging, although details on battery capacity and charging speed were not disclosed.
Musk outlined the Cybercab’s purpose in tackling traffic congestion, high transportation costs, and safety issues. He claimed that widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles could make driving "ten times safer" and more affordable. Owners could potentially earn income by offering their Cybercabs as robotaxis when not in use.
The projected price for a Cybercab is approximately $30,000, aligning with Tesla's mission to make autonomous driving accessible. However, the timeline for deployment remains uncertain. Musk indicated that fully autonomous driving would first be implemented in Texas and California by 2025, with Cybercab production slated to begin in 2026, although he acknowledged potential delays.
Regulatory approval poses a significant challenge for the rollout of unsupervised autonomous driving, both in the U.S. and internationally. Despite ongoing developments in Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) package, the timeline for widespread use of this technology remains unclear.