Tesla Unveils Cybercab Electric Vehicle at “We, Robot” Event
On Thursday, Tesla unveiled its highly-anticipated Cybercab electric vehicle (EV) at the “We, Robot” event held at the Warner Bros lot in Burbank, California. Positioned as a competitor to Alphabet’s Waymo, the Cybercab joins Tesla’s lineup of autonomous self-driving vehicles including the Cybertruck, Model 3, and Model S. Notably, unlike its predecessors, the Cybercab does not feature a steering wheel or pedals, aligning with Elon Musk’s vision of a driverless future.
Tesla’s Entry Into the Robotaxi Market
The introduction of the Cybercab marks Tesla’s foray into the robotaxi market, currently dominated by Waymo in the US. Tesla’s robotaxi is designed to operate without a steering wheel or pedals, relying on artificial intelligence (AI), sensors, and cameras to navigate to desired destinations. Leveraging Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system based on Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Level-2, the Cybercab aims to revolutionize autonomous transportation.
Features of the Tesla Cybercab
The Cybercab sports a sleek two-door coupe-like design with butterfly doors and a prominent touchscreen display at the center console, a signature feature of Tesla vehicles. The interior boasts a minimalist aesthetic devoid of visible buttons on the console. LED strips adorn the front and rear of the vehicle, while the sloping roof draws inspiration from the Tesla Cybertruck. Noteworthy is the integration of inductive charging technology, eliminating the need for traditional plug-in charging.
While specific details such as powertrain and range remain undisclosed, Elon Musk has promised that the Cybercab will be priced below $30,000 in the US, with an operational cost as low as $0.20 per mile. Production of the Cybercab is anticipated to commence in 2026, signaling Tesla’s commitment to advancing the future of transportation.
Other Unveilings at the Event
Alongside the Cybercab, Musk also introduced the Robovan, a 20-seater vehicle envisioned as a cost-effective shared transport solution. Additionally, Optimus, a general-purpose robotic humanoid, was showcased, demonstrating Tesla’s dedication to innovation in various realms of technology.
Updates to the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y were announced, with Musk reaffirming the company’s pledge to bring autonomous driving capabilities to these vehicles in California and Texas by 2025, further solidifying Tesla’s position as a trailblazer in the realm of autonomous transportation.
Overall, Tesla’s latest additions and advancements underscore the company’s relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to shaping the future of mobility.