Tesla Unveils Robotaxi and Robovan at “We, Robot” Event, Shifting Focus to AI Robotics
Elon Musk unveils two-door robotaxi. In a bold showcase of innovation, Elon Musk revealed Tesla’s latest ventures into autonomous transportation at the “We, Robot” event on Thursday. Highlighting a futuristic robotaxi dubbed the “Cybercab” and a larger self-driving vehicle called the “Robovan,” Musk emphasized Tesla’s transition from a traditional automaker to a leader in robotics and AI technology.
The Cybercab, featuring two gull-wing doors and no steering wheel or pedals, is set to enter production in 2026 with a target price of under $30,000. Musk stated the operational cost could be as low as 20 cents per mile, utilizing inductive charging technology that eliminates the need for physical plugs. “The autonomous future is here,” he declared, showcasing 50 fully autonomous vehicles, including Model Ys and Cybercabs, all driverless.
The Robovan, capable of transporting up to 20 passengers, further highlights Tesla’s ambition to develop a comprehensive fleet of self-driving vehicles. Musk’s vision includes an app-based platform that allows users to hail robotaxis and enable individual Tesla owners to monetize their vehicles by listing them as autonomous taxis.
Attendees at the event, including investors, analysts, and Tesla enthusiasts, were eager for insights into production timelines and regulatory approvals. However, some left disappointed by the lack of concrete details. “Everything looks cool, but not much in terms of timelines,” noted Dennis Dick, an equity trader at Triple D Trading. “I’m a shareholder and pretty disappointed.”
Musk, known for his ambitious projections, acknowledged past delays, recalling his 2019 prediction of operational robotaxis by 2020. With Tesla facing challenges in EV demand and potential declines in deliveries this year, the shift to robotics could be a pivotal strategy for the company. Musk indicated a commitment to start fully autonomous unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities in Texas and California next year, though he did not clarify if the new robotaxis would incorporate new technology or rely solely on existing FSD systems.
Tesla’s focus on cameras and AI, eschewing expensive hardware like lidar used by competitors, aims to keep costs manageable. However, the road ahead remains fraught with technical hurdles and regulatory scrutiny, especially following incidents involving FSD technology.
As the event concluded, Musk reiterated his vision for Tesla as an AI robotics company, potentially reshaping the future of transportation. The ambitious plans for robotaxis and the Robovan mark a significant step in Musk’s ongoing quest to revolutionize the automotive industry through autonomous technology.
