On October 11, 2024, Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled two groundbreaking autonomous electric vehicles, the Cybercab and Robovan, during a livestreamed event titled 'We, Robot' held at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. These vehicles, which lack traditional steering wheels and pedals, promise a futuristic driving experience.
The Cybercab is a compact two-seater featuring butterfly doors and an induction charging system, with production expected to start before 2027 at a cost of under $30,000. The larger Robovan, capable of seating up to 20 passengers, is envisioned for various uses, including as a school bus or for camping. Musk emphasized that these vehicles will operate at significantly lower costs, with the Cybercab charging about 20 cents per mile and the Robovan around 5 cents.
Notably, Tesla's vehicles do not utilize Lidar technology, which is common among competitors like Waymo and Cruise. Musk asserts that AI-driven vehicles will be safer than those operated by humans, although the safety of existing robotaxis has been questioned due to past incidents.
Tesla plans to roll out fully autonomous driving capabilities in Texas and California next year for its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, with aspirations to extend this technology to its entire fleet. Musk also highlighted ongoing developments on Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus, which is expected to retail between $20,000 and $30,000.
This unveiling marks a significant step in the evolution of transportation, with potential implications for urban mobility, safety, and the future of vehicle ownership.