A new development has seen Tesla move the proposed unveiling of the Cybercab to later this year. The company has teased observers with a robotaxi project initially scheduled for unveiling on August 8th.
Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, believes cybercabs are key to safer, more efficient, and cheaper transportation.
We’ve seen teasers on Musk and Tesla’s X posts and videos. Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk also touched on the rudimentary idea behind the cybercab.
From the performance and looks to the scheduled unveiling, here’s all you need to know about Cybercab.
What’s the Tesla Cybercab about?
The idea behind Cybercab is autonomous self-driving cars. While Tesla cars already feature autopilot and Full Self-Driving, they still operate at level two autonomy, which requires supervision.
The Cybercab will also kickstart Tesla’s ride-hailing service.
The Cybercab is distinct from Tesla’s more affordable $25k car, which is still developing. However, Musk has put the Cybercab at the top of his priority list.
What Will the Tesla Cybercab look like?
Musk hints at what the car might entail on X and in Walter Isaacson’s biography of Elon Musk.
According to the images and videos online, Tesla designed the Cybercab without a steering wheel or pedals—a tough call for car enthusiasts.
The aesthetics will be polygonal, like the Cybertruck’s. It will have just two passenger seats, like a sports car arrangement.
As a self-driving car, the Robotaxi’s design focuses more on the passenger’s experience and less on specifications and performance. In summary, it won’t be the fastest car on the road.
It will feature a central display that allows passengers to personalize their experience.
Tesla has stated that the Cybercab will integrate its current and next-generation technologies, including a ride-hailing feature. However, the final technology for the Robotaxi remains uncertain as Tesla continues to develop and refine its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system.
While the Robotaxi may not offer the thrill of a Kawasaki bike, it promises a futuristic feel and look.
When will the Tesla Cybercab be revealed?
On April 5th, Elon Musk posted on X that Tesla will unveil the Robotaxi on August 8th.
Bloomberg reported that Tesla has rescheduled the unveiling for October.
Musk confirmed the shift on X, stating, “Requested what I think is an important design change to the front, and the extra time allows us to show off a few other things.” We will likely see more changes to Cybercab’s design and functionality in the coming months.
When will the Tesla Cybercab be released into the market?
The release of Cybercab will depend heavily on when Tesla can achieve at least level four autonomy for FSD. It must also pass various regulatory requirements before it can be roadworthy.
Musk’s team suggested a hybrid Robotaxi design with removable traditional parts like the steering wheel and pedals. However, Musk’s insistence on an autonomous vehicle means Tesla must first perfect this technology. Even after unveiling, the Cybercab must meet many safety regulations and technological requirements.
Remember, the Tesla Roadster was unveiled in 2017 but hasn’t been released. The upcoming unveiling this year doesn’t guarantee an early robotaxi production.
How will the Tesla Cybercab operate in the ride-hailing business?
The Cybercab will form the foundation of Tesla’s Taxi service, combining elements of Uber and Airbnb.
The robotaxis will be in two categories.
The first category will be Tesla-owned Robotaxis operating for the company, while the second will be for independent Tesla owners.
This second category allows people to earn passive income when not using their Robotaxi. For instance, you can rent your Cybercab to Tesla for Robotaxi services when you’re not using it.
Are there other self-driving services like the Tesla Cybercab?
Self-driving services are familiar in the EV sector. In the US, they include Waymo, Cruise, and Zoox. Of the three, only Waymo and Cruise are operational.
Alphabet owns Waymo, which uses Jaguar I-Paces, while General Motors owns Cruise, which operates with Chevrolet Bolts.
However, in October last year, a Cruise car was involved in an accident, resulting in the company suspending its activities.
Zoox, an Amazon self-driving taxi project, is still in the testing phase, and there is no news on its operational start.
The simple difference between Tesla and the other EV companies is their auto-driving systems. While the rest rely on sensors to map out the environment, Tesla is confident it can achieve self-driving with cameras.
Will robotaxis be cheaper?
The Tesla Robotaxi has no price tag and should not be mistaken for the proposed $25,000 mass-production model. For passengers, it’s speculated that Robotaxi’s fares will be considerably lower than those of vehicles with human drivers, as there is no human fee to factor in.
Which countries already have the Robotaxi?
The USA and China currently have the most operational Robotaxi services, though the scope and accessibility vary by city regulations. In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are also working on deploying Robotaxi services soon. In European countries like Germany and France, the focus is on the safety of robotaxis.
Global interest in robotaxis is high, but the technology must reach level four autonomy for people to trust Cybercabs on the road.