Tesla's $30k cybercab: Elon Musk unveils driverless vision
Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, has unveiled its plan for a revolution in the automotive industry. As revealed by the owner of platform X, his company will produce affordable autonomous cars in the coming years that can serve as taxis or even buses. Their cost is not expected to exceed CAD 30,000.
Elon Musk, the head of Tesla, presented the vision for the future of autonomous transport during a dazzling event at the Warner Bros Studio in Los Angeles. On stage, a new robotaxi named Cybercab made its entrance, entirely forgoing a steering wheel and pedals.
The car resembles a combination of the massive Cybertruck and Tesla's popular Model 3. Musk announced that the vehicle may go on sale as early as 2027, with a price of less than $30,000 CAD. It is expected that the cost of a ride in this car will be only 12 cents per kilometre.
Autonomous cars like the presented model are set to revolutionize public transport. Musk stated, "the cost of autonomous transport will be so low that it can be treated as individualized mass transport." Additionally, a larger "robovan" will join the Cybercab, capable of accommodating up to 20 passengers and also requiring no driver.
Musk announces autonomous vehicles
Although robotaxi production is set to begin before 2027, these vehicles will only be able to operate where regulations permit. Musk revealed that as early as next year, autonomous rides without supervision may be allowed in California and Texas. However, it should be noted that the technical details have not yet been disclosed.
It is known only that the Cybercab will be charged using inductive technology, which means no traditional charging port. It is presumed that charging will take place at stations where the vehicle will also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before the next ride.
The entire vehicle is designed for transporting people without a driver [...] This is precisely what we aim to achieve. What will you do with your time when you no longer have to drive? You can sleep, watch a movie, or work. Moving in an autonomous vehicle will give you opportunities you don't have now. It's a revolution, said Musk, as quoted by "Independent".
It seems that the robotaxi won't be Tesla's only autonomous vehicle. The new technology is set to be applied to Tesla's entire range of vehicles – from Model 3, through Model Y, to Model S, X, and the more massive Cybertruck. Additionally, Musk reiterated, that Tesla users will be able to rent out their cars as autonomous taxis when they are not using them, creating a new income opportunity.
