Los Angeles, Friday, October 11, 2024- Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed the long-anticipated “Cybercab” robotaxi on October 10, 2024, during an event in Los Angeles.
The electric vehicle, featuring gull-wing doors and no steering wheel or pedals, is expected to start production in 2026 and will be priced under $30,000.
Musk also introduced a robovan capable of carrying up to 20 people. Both vehicles are projected to have extremely low operating costs—20 cents per mile for the Cybercab and 5 cents per mile for the robovan.
However, Musk provided no clear timeline on when mass production of the robotaxi could begin, nor did he address regulatory challenges or outline a specific business model to counter rivals like Alphabet’s Waymo.
Tesla’s approach to autonomous driving relies on artificial intelligence and cameras rather than traditional hardware such as lidar.
Analysts remain cautious due to Musk’s history of delayed project timelines, noting the technological hurdles and potential safety concerns, particularly in inclement weather and complex driving conditions.
The unveiling comes as Tesla faces potential declines in deliveries, with price cuts intended to stimulate demand squeezing profit margins.
Despite Tesla’s leadership in electric vehicle production, it lags behind competitors in deploying fully autonomous vehicles. Alphabet’s Waymo is the only U.S. company currently operating a fleet of driverless taxis that collect fares. Musk has a history of ambitious goals for Tesla, including the 2019 promise of operational robotaxis by 2020, a milestone still unachieved.
