Elon Musk has introduced the highly anticipated Cybercab at a recent Tesla robotaxi event held at Warner Bros Studios in Burbank, California. The innovative vehicle, designed without pedals or a steering wheel and featuring two wing-like doors, represents a crucial element in Tesla’s future plans. During the event, titled “We, Robot,” Musk emphasized his belief that fully autonomous vehicles will outperform human drivers in terms of safety and could generate income for owners through ride-sharing. However, he mentioned that production might not commence until “before 2027,” leading to skepticism about his ability to meet this timeline. Musk humorously acknowledged his tendency to be overly optimistic regarding deadlines.
He estimated that the Cybercab would be priced below $30,000 (£23,000), yet analysts expressed doubts about the feasibility of this claim. Paul Miller from Forrester Research noted the immense challenge Tesla would face in launching a vehicle at that price point within the suggested timeframe, stating that external subsidies or significant losses on vehicle sales would be needed to make this possible.
Musk also predicted the introduction of “fully autonomous unsupervised” technology in Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y cars in Texas and California next year, pending regulatory approval. However, this approval could be difficult to obtain due to safety concerns surrounding the operation of self-driving vehicles on public roads. Samitha Samaranayake, an associate professor at Cornell University, remarked that Tesla’s reliance on cameras, as opposed to the radar and Lidar sensors used by many competitors, raises questions about the safety of their technology, particularly as the research community remains unconvinced about Tesla’s claims.
The Cybercab project has faced delays, initially expected to launch in August. Musk indicated that design changes were responsible for the postponement. Meanwhile, competing robotaxis have already begun operations on some roads in the U.S. Despite the competitive landscape and a potential decline in Tesla’s annual sales, the event showcased an entertaining atmosphere, featuring Tesla’s humanoid robots engaging with attendees. Musk also revealed a prototype for a “Robovan,” which is capable of transporting up to 20 passengers.
The event was noted for merging nostalgia with futuristic aspirations, as analysts remarked on Musk’s ability to envision a transportation future that enhances safety and efficiency. However, significant questions persist regarding the practical execution of this vision.