Elon Musk Introduces Tesla’s ‘Cybercab’ and Future Plans for Autonomous Technology

(AP) — Tesla has unveiled its highly anticipated robotaxi, called the ‘Cybercab,’ at a Hollywood studio event. However, fans of the electric vehicle maker will likely have to wait until at least 2026 to get their hands on one.

The Grand Unveiling

During the event, CEO Elon Musk showcased the Cybercab, driving onto the stage without traditional steering wheels or pedals. He shared his belief in the advancements Tesla has made in autonomous driving technology, emphasizing that these vehicles will be able to operate without human drivers.

Tesla has sold its Full Self-Driving software for nine years, but there are ongoing concerns regarding its dependability.

“We’ll eventually move from supervised Full Self-Driving to a point where you can sleep and wake up at your destination,” Musk promised. “It’s going to be a glorious future.”

Pricing and Availability

Musk mentioned that the Cybercabs are expected to be priced under $30,000, aiming for availability in 2026, though he later indicated it might be available by 2027 at the latest.

Furthermore, Tesla plans to introduce Full Self-Driving technology for existing models like the Model 3 and Model Y in California and Texas next year.

“If they want to achieve robotaxis, they need to succeed first with the unsupervised FSD in their current lineup,” noted Seth Goldstein, an equity strategist at Morningstar Research. “Tonight’s event indicated they are prepared to take that step.”

Investor Concerns

Despite the excitement surrounding the event, investors expressed anxiety regarding Tesla’s timeline, especially considering competitors like Waymo and General Motors are already implementing similar technologies. In the stock market, Tesla’s shares dropped by 9% following the unveiling.

Waymo is currently providing rides in fully autonomous vehicles in Phoenix, while General Motors’ Cruise division has been operating robotaxis in San Francisco, even amid challenges like a crash last year. Additionally, Aurora Innovation aims to launch fully autonomous freight haulers in Texas by year’s end.

Criticism and Skepticism

Critics pointed out that Tesla continues to promise advancements in automation while lacking practical examples on the roads. Bryant Walker Smith, a law professor studying automated vehicles, remarked, “Tesla is revisiting claims from 2014, a time when no automated vehicles were operating on public roads. Now, there are functional AVs carrying passengers, but none come from Tesla.”

At the event, Tesla showcased around 20 Cybercabs, allowing attendees to experience rides within the studio lot rather than on public streets.

Additional Innovations

The presentation, titled “We, Robot,” also featured a futuristic minibus that can autonomously carry up to 20 passengers. Musk also introduced several Optimus humanoid robots, which he claimed could perform various tasks, from babysitting to grocery fetching. The estimated cost for these robots lies between $28,000-$30,000.

Strategic Shift and Brand Challenges

The launch of the Cybercab aligns with Musk’s strategy to promote Tesla as a leader in AI and robotics as it seeks to revitalize interest in its aging electric vehicle lineup. Recent reports indicate that a refresh of the Tesla model lineup may not happen until late next year.

In addition, Musk’s political activities, including support for Republican candidates, may be impacting Tesla’s brand image among some consumers.

For years, Musk has hinted about the imminent arrival of a robotaxi fleet, allowing Tesla owners to generate income by sharing their vehicles. He has admitted that earlier projections for autonomous vehicles’ rollout were overly ambitious, acknowledging that a promise made in 2019 for autonomous fleets by the end of 2020 did not materialize.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

Alongside these announcements, U.S. safety regulators are investigating the Full Self-Driving system due to concerns about monitoring driver attention. Moreover, a recall was made earlier this year when the system was found to allow traffic violations. Following a tragic incident in Washington state involving a Tesla in Autopilot mode, the NHTSA is reviewing data related to the crash.

Overall, while the unveiling of the Cybercab marks significant progress for Tesla, several challenges and uncertainties on reliability, investor sentiment, and regulatory compliance remain to be addressed.

Tesla, Cybercab, Musk