Everything You Need to Know About Tesla’s “Cybercab”

Did you miss the Elon Musk event that showcased the brand new “Cybercab,” autonomous van, and lifelike, humanoid robots?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about the historic event that happened just last week.

At a glance:

  • Tesla revealed the long-awaited Cybercab robotaxi and an unexpected Robovan at the “We, Robot” event.
  • The Cybercab is priced under $30,000, fully autonomous, and set for production by 2027.
  • The Robovan can transport up to 20 passengers and may serve commercial or personal purposes.

Tesla’s highly anticipated Cybercab robotaxi finally made its debut at the “We, Robot” event in Los Angeles on Thursday night. CEO Elon Musk showcased the fully autonomous vehicle, which will retail for less than $30,000 when it hits the market, potentially by 2027. Alongside the Cybercab, Tesla surprised attendees by unveiling the Robovan, a much larger vehicle designed to transport up to 20 people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVzzNof3wqU

The Cybercab, resembling the Cybertruck’s design with a sleek light bar, scissor-like doors, and a minimalist interior, was introduced as the centerpiece of the event. It has no steering wheel or pedals and will rely entirely on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. Tesla plans to start unsupervised FSD trials with its Model 3 and Model Y in Texas and California in 2025, eventually expanding the program as regulatory approval allows.

The Cybercab’s wireless induction charging, which could involve mats or road tracks, is part of Tesla’s vision for its fully autonomous ride-hailing service. Owners of Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD may also be able to add their cars to Tesla’s rideshare platform, potentially unlocking significant value for users and the company alike.

However, Tesla did not introduce the long-anticipated “next-gen” affordable EV model, leaving some analysts and investors disappointed. Despite Musk’s ambitious projections, Tesla’s stock dropped by over 8% the following day as investors awaited more concrete details.

The unexpected Robovan, designed for both passenger and cargo transport, also captivated attendees. Its futuristic design includes hidden wheels, no steering controls, and the potential for both commercial and personal uses. While the Robovan’s release date and price remain unclear, it could play a role in Tesla’s broader autonomous transport network.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASGkKttLans

Tesla also featured its Optimus humanoid robots, which interacted with attendees, mixed drinks, and performed tasks. Musk claimed the robots, priced between $20,000 and $30,000, could eventually assist with household tasks, including walking dogs and watering plants, although no release date has been set.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9Ze7OSfZzE

The event provided a glimpse into Tesla’s future focus on automation and robotics, but many analysts remain cautious, citing Musk’s history of delays and over-optimistic timelines. Still, the combination of the Cybercab, Robovan, and Optimus robots demonstrated Tesla’s commitment to transforming the future of transportation and robotics.

Elon Musk is making real life a sci-fi movie…