Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed a prototype of the highly anticipated Cybercab robotaxi at a special event held at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. Musk arrived on stage in the autonomous vehicle, showcasing its futuristic design with upward-opening butterfly doors. The electric Cybercab eliminates the traditional steering wheel and pedals, opting for inductive charging.
altTesla Cybercab and Robovan
Musk announced Tesla’s aim to commence Cybercab production in 2026, acknowledging his tendency towards optimistic projections. The event also included a surprise unveiling of the Robovan, a larger autonomous vehicle designed for both passenger and cargo transport.
altThe Tesla Robovan
Attendees were given the opportunity to experience the Cybercab firsthand, touring the studio lot in one of the 20 vehicles brought to the event.
Earlier this year, Tesla’s app integrated a ridesharing feature intended for the robotaxi service. Musk previously suggested that Cybercab owners could offset the vehicle’s cost by allowing it to participate in autonomous ridesharing programs when not in personal use.
Tesla’s existing vehicles already possess advanced autonomous features, although driver supervision remains mandatory. This experience in self-driving technology will be invaluable as the company strives to launch a comprehensive robotaxi service. However, regulatory approval regarding the vehicle’s safety will be a critical factor.
Tesla will face competition from established players like Waymo (owned by Alphabet) and Cruise (backed by GM). Waymo has been operating a limited, regulator-approved robotaxi service with paying passengers in several cities for years. Cruise, meanwhile, has faced challenges with incidents during testing, leading to temporary operational pauses and a cautious return to public roads.
