Tesla has unveiled the first glimpses of its fully autonomous 'Robotaxi,' a two-door coupe with butterfly doors known as the Cybercab. The vehicle was revealed on Thursday night during a presentation in Hollywood, hosted by the brand. The Cybercab, as the name suggests, shares its front end design with the larger Cybertruck but is significantly smaller and more aerodynamic, featuring only two seats. Notably, the vehicle lacks a steering wheel and pedals, instead boasting a large central screen on the dashboard.
CEO Elon Musk did not provide any performance or range estimates for the Cybercab but announced that it will be available for purchase by the public for under $30,000. The car will also feature inductive charging, eliminating the need for a physical plug to recharge the battery. Musk also showcased an electric van-shaped people mover called the Robovan, designed to autonomously transport large groups of people. While no specifications were provided for the Robovan, it appears capable of accommodating over 10 passengers at once. It remains uncertain whether this van will be available for public purchase.
Tesla anticipates commencing fully autonomous operations in California and Texas next year with the Model 3 and Model Y. However, the Cybercab is not expected to hit the roads until 2026. Musk has a history of underestimating delivery timelines for Tesla products, and this projection is likely to follow suit. He himself acknowledged being 'optimistic' in the past regarding timelines.
Following the debut, Tesla permitted guests to experience rides in the approximately 50 Cybercabs on-site, operating within the controlled environment of a movie set. It is anticipated that footage from inside the car will flood the internet overnight. However, given Tesla's track record, it may be quite some time before these vehicles are seen on public roads.
