Robotaxi; Unveiling
A robotaxi, also known as robot taxi or cybercab is an autonomous car (SAE automation level 4 or 5) operated for a ridesharing company. Robo-taxi is a self-driving car that operates as a taxi in an e-hailing service. This means that robo-taxis do not have a driver and passengers can request them via a smartphone application.
Robotaxi’s Unveiling
Elon Musk showcased the robotaxi which has two gull-wing doors and no steering wheel or pedals at a splashy event on Thursday and added a robovan to the roster as Tesla’s goal shifts from low-priced mass-market automaker to robotics manufacturer.
The driverless car features a dash similar to a Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, with a singular screen sprouting from the center. There’s no rear window, either. Tesla’s design team also clearly took inspiration from the Cybertruck, with the Robotaxi featuring a similar aesthetic, namely its front and rear light bars. It also has a pair of exotic dihedral doors, and its wheels have giant disc-like covers. Surprisingly, Musk said the Robotaxi doesn’t have a traditional charging port, as it relies on inductive (i.e. wireless) charging.
Musk said the “Cybercab” will go into production in 2026 and be priced less than $30,000. He said operation will cost 20 cents a mile over time and charging will be inductive, requiring no plugs.
The car rely on artificial intelligence and cameras and do not need other hardware such as what robotaxi rivals use – an approach investors and analysts have flagged as challenging both from a technical and regulatory stand point.
Musk’s plan is to operate a fleet of self-driving Tesla taxis that passengers can hail through an app. Individual Tesla owners will also be able to make money on the app by listing their vehicles as robotaxis.
Robovan
The Robovan was another future product revealed during the event. Despite having the word “van” in its name, this massive autonomous transporter looks more like a toaster on wheels. If nothing else, we think “Robobus” is a more apt descriptor. Musk said it can carry up to 20 people and also be used to transport goods. It has glass windows on either side of the roof as well as sliding side doors. How much range does it have? What will it cost? When will it be available? We don’t know because none of those details were shared. What we do know is that it can be adapted for personal or commerical use. “We’re going to make this, and it’s going to look like that,” said Musk.
Optimus, Tesla’s humanoid robots, were also part of the Robotaxi reveal.
