Tesla (TSLA) and its CEO Elon Musk finally unveiled the electric car maker’s long-awaited driverless robotaxis on Thursday night, a large autonomous robovan designed to transport more people. It was announced with a surprise.
After a nearly hour-long delay, attendees at the “We, Robot” event in Los Angeles were given an up-close look at Tesla’s two latest creations, key strategic focuses for the EV pioneer.
Musk arrived in a robotaxi called a “CyberCab.” The robotaxi featured a Cybertruck-like light bar at the front, a small angular profile, scissor-like doors, and a minimalist interior. The CyberCab appeared to be traveling through the Warner Bros. Studio closed course grounds on its way to the event stage.
Tesla Cybercab robotaxi (Credit: Tesla) (Tesla)
As expected, the Cybercab has no steering wheel or pedals and is designed to be fully self-driving.
“We’re going from fully autonomous driving with supervision to fully autonomous driving without supervision,” Musk said. This means that cars using this latest software no longer require human intervention when needed.
Musk said he expects the small EV to arrive sometime in 2026 and cost less than $30,000 by 2027. The CyberCab will be charged via wireless induction technology, possibly using mats or trucks on the road.
Tesla Cybercab robotaxi (Credit: Tesla) (Tesla)
Next year, Tesla will begin unsupervised fully self-driving (FSD) testing with Model 3 and Model Y test vehicles in Texas and California. Musk said more unsupervised FSD tests will be conducted wherever regulators allow.
Wall Street analysts believe that if the EV is combined with FSD and Tesla’s upcoming rideshare mobility app, owners of existing Tesla vehicles will be able to bring these models to the company’s rideshare service. I predict it will be. Analysts believe this will unlock enormous value and bring about real change.
Elon Musk at the “We, Robot” event (Credit: Tesla) (Tesla)
Tesla did not reveal its upcoming low-cost “next generation” model, which many analysts had expected. However, the CyberCab could essentially share the same chassis as the new passenger car, as the automaker has hinted in the past. Tesla previously confirmed that its next-generation EV, priced under $30,000, will arrive later this year.
Surprise reveal
In an unexpected move, Tesla debuted the Robovan. This is a much larger EV with hidden wheels and a real windshield. Robovan’s design reflects the sci-fi movie Blade Runner, with a wide light bar across the front façade and a one-piece design. According to Tesla, Musk said the RoboVan is designed to carry up to 20 people or large amounts of cargo, and can be adapted for both commercial and personal use.
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Robovan’s service launch date and price have not been disclosed.
Tesla Robovan EV (Credit: Tesla) (Tesla)
Finally, Musk led a group of Optimus robots and walked into the event space himself. Musk said the robot will likely cost between $20,000 and $30,000 when it finally goes on sale in a few years, something he has claimed in the past.
Musk said the robots will interact with event attendees and even serve drinks at the bar.
In addition to interacting with the robots, participants were able to ride in a CyberCab and self-driving Model 3 and Model Y EVs.
Optimus robot dancing at “We, Robot” event (Credit: Tesla) (Tesla)
Pras Subramanian is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. you can follow him Twitter And also on Instagram.
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