By: Nadeem Ali
Tesla has unveiled its Cybercab Robotaxi, priced at less than $30,000, aiming to make autonomous electric transport accessible and affordable for the masses.
The Cybercab features a design reminiscent of the Cybertruck, with butterfly doors that open upwards, providing easy access in a style that's both functional and futuristic.
Cybercab comes without a steering wheel or pedals, relying entirely on Tesla's advanced Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology which uses cameras alone, skipping the more expensive radar or lidar.
Tesla claims the operating cost will be around 20 cents per mile, potentially undercutting traditional mass transit costs and offering individualized mass transit solutions.
Alongside the Cybercab, Tesla introduced the Robovan, a larger autonomous vehicle capable of seating up to 20 people, suited for everything from public transport to private events.
Elon Musk has projected that the Cybercab will hit the market before 2027, with unsupervised FSD trials expected to start in 2025 in Texas and California using Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.
The Cybercab and Robovan will feature automatic load-leveling suspension for varying road conditions, and the vehicles will be available for use as long as needed, from short trips to all-day use without the traditional driver fees.
Tesla's Robotaxi service aims to transform transportation into a safer, faster, and more sustainable model, where owning a car might become unnecessary for many, as autonomous vehicles could be summoned on demand.