TLDR:
- Tesla unveiled the Cybercab robotaxi, priced under $30,000 and set for 2026 production
- A surprise Robovan capable of transporting up to 20 people was also revealed
- Tesla plans to start unsupervised full self-driving trials in Texas and California next year
- The Cybercab features no steering wheel or pedals and will charge wirelessly
- Tesla’s stock dropped 6% following the event, despite Musk’s optimistic predictions
Tesla, the electric vehicle giant led by Elon Musk, has taken a step towards its vision of an autonomous future with the unveiling of two new vehicles: the Cybercab robotaxi and the larger Robovan.
The highly anticipated event, dubbed “We, Robot,” took place at Warner Brothers Studios in Los Angeles on Thursday night.
Robotaxi & Robovan pic.twitter.com/pI2neyJBSL
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 11, 2024
The Cybercab, Tesla’s entry into the robotaxi market, was the star of the show. Featuring a design reminiscent of the company’s Cybertruck, the vehicle boasts a small angular profile, scissor-like doors, and a minimalist interior.
Most notably, the Cybercab lacks traditional controls such as a steering wheel and pedals, emphasizing its fully autonomous capabilities.
Musk announced that the Cybercab is expected to cost less than $30,000 when it enters production, which is slated for sometime in 2026. The vehicle will utilize wireless induction charging technology, potentially using mats or tracks on roads to replenish its battery.
In a move that surprised many attendees, Tesla also introduced the Robovan, a larger autonomous vehicle designed to transport up to 20 people or a significant amount of cargo.
The Robovan’s futuristic design features hidden wheels and no traditional windshield, drawing comparisons to vehicles from science fiction films. While no specific production timeline or pricing was provided for the Robovan, Musk suggested it could be adapted for both commercial and personal use.
To pave the way for these autonomous vehicles, Tesla plans to begin unsupervised full self-driving (FSD) trials in Texas and California next year. These tests will initially use modified Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, with plans to expand to other locations as regulations allow.
The event also showcased Tesla’s progress in robotics, with several Optimus robots demonstrating their ability to walk and interact with attendees. Musk predicted that these robots could eventually be priced between $20,000 and $30,000, although a specific timeline for their availability was not provided.
Tesla Optimus Robot at $20k to never have to dishes again and have someone to beat af Settlers of Catan is a no brainer pic.twitter.com/CHJp9E6F6e
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) October 11, 2024
Despite the ambitious presentation, Tesla’s stock experienced a significant drop of more than 6% following the event. This reaction suggests that investors may have reservations about the company’s timeline and ability to deliver on its autonomous driving promises.
Industry experts and analysts have expressed both excitement and skepticism about Tesla’s latest announcements. While the potential for fully autonomous vehicles is widely recognized, concerns remain about regulatory hurdles, safety considerations, and the practical implementation of such technology on a large scale.
Tesla’s approach to autonomous driving relies heavily on artificial intelligence and cameras, diverging from the lidar-based systems used by many competitors.
This strategy has been met with some skepticism from experts who question its feasibility and regulatory compliance.
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