This is what Elon Musk’s new ‘Cybercab’ robotaxi service looks like: where is it available?
Elon Musk has unveiled Tesla’s Cybercab, a robotaxi that intends to take autonomous driving a step further, and vows to mold the way people move in cities.
“The future has to look like the future,” said Elon Musk, describing the design of his new Cybercab, a robotaxi with which he intends to take autonomous driving a step further and change the way we move around large cities.
At the same event where he presented Optimus, Tesla’s first android assistant, the billionaire and owner of X said the electric vehicle company intends to launch fully autonomous driving in California and Texas in 2026. Musk also said Cybercab is set to begin production by next year, but admits it could start as late as 2027. He claimed the vehicle would cost less than $30,000.
Cybercab will make use of fully autonomous unsupervised technology, which will need the approval of regulators. This regulatory approval is what will determine where the robotaxi will be able to operate.
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Musk admits optimism in launch deadlines
Although autonomous vehicles have not yet been approved for use on many roads, Musk is convinced his robotaxis will be available in a couple of years.
“I am probably being a little optimistic with the deadlines, but Cybercabs will arrive in 2026. Before 2027 for sure.” They will charge 20 cents per mile and the tycoon believes “the cost of autonomous transport will be so low” that it will even replace public transport.
Although no data was offered on the profitability of the project for investors, Musk said they will not need plugs or the hardware typically linked to this class of vehicles. Tesla assures they will use inductive chargers and utilize artificial intelligence and an intricate system of cameras.
“Without a steering wheel, pedals or driver,” Musk believes taxi drivers will be the elevator operators of the 21st century. He estimates that cars will be used “10 times more” if they operate autonomously and shared.
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The presentation of the Cybercab was accompanied by that of the Robovan. This is a vehicle with a capacity for 20 people that acts as a bus, truck or van and offers the same advantages as the Cybercab, but with larger dimensions. Its appearance was one of the most talked about parts of the program and resulted in another claim from Musk: “We will change the face of the roads.”