Tesla Unveils Driverless Cybercab That Will Cost Under $30,000
Tesla has finally unveiled its highly anticipated Cybercab, a $30K fully driverless robotaxi, alongside a surprise reveal of the larger Robovan. Both vehicles aim to reshape urban mobility with cutting-edge self-driving tech and futuristic designs. The Cybercab offers affordable, autonomous rides, while the Robovan is built for transporting larger groups or cargo.
The cybercab is a purpose-built autonomous vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals. The average operating cost of the Cybercab is estimated to be $0.20 per mile. In comparison, city buses average operating cost is more than $1 per mile. Studies reveal that fully autonomous vehicles could reduce roadway crashes by 20-50%.
The first thing one will notice is the robotaxi does not have a steering wheel or even pedals. The cabin space is two passengers, hence, it is a two-door Gullwing vehicle. The Cybercab does not even have a charging port as it will be charged wirelessly. The robotaxi market requires billions of dollars of investment due to the advanced technology. But Elon Musk believes that Tesla will stick to a simple combination of cameras and AI to operate.
At Tesla’s event, the Robovan concept version was officially unveiled. It is an all-electric autonomous van that can accomodate up to 20 people. The Robovan brings back the traditional boxy design with stylish metallic side panels, cabin with clean design and flexible seating layout and is equipped with the latest version of FSD by Tesla.
There was a humanoid Optimus robot which was unveiled that was aimed to carry out multiple tasks like babysitting, mowing the lawn, walking your dog etc. The robot also did some additional movements like handing out bags and waving at people and would be priced between $20,000 to $30,000.
This represents a significant way forward in the development of autonomous driving technology. The vehicle is designed to provide safe and efficient transportation, and features advanced sensors, a spacious interior, and seamless integration with Tesla’s ride-hailing network. While the concept of driverless taxis holds immense promise, there are still challenges to overcome, including regulatory hurdles and public perception.
