Elon Musk is just turning the world into Tesla Cybercities at this point with 'Cybercabs' & 'Robovans'

[Garth Gator]

 

We don’t need any more Cybertrucks on the road, you might hear a Tesla detractor gripe. As they wish. Roll in the Cybercabs and Robovans.

 

On Thursday, Elon Musk drove home what he believed is the future of transportation with the unveiling of two autonomous vehicles at Tesla’s We, Robot event at Warner Bros Studios in Los Angeles. With their stainless steel finishes and geometric silhouettes, the Cybercab and Robovan notably share the same DNA with the Cybertruck.

 

 

The Cybercab, a two-seater electric vehicle, sports a similarly futuristic, sci-fi-esque look. Besides its appearance, what sets it apart is the robotaxi’s complete lack of traditional controls—no steering wheel, no pedals. Instead, it relies entirely on AI-driven navigation, complemented by wireless charging capabilities.

 

Tesla aims to price the Cybercab below $30,000, positioning it as an accessible option for individualized mass transit. The company plans to begin rolling out these robotaxis in Texas and California next year, with full production expected by 2026.

 

 

Not to be outdone, the Robovan made its debut alongside the Cybercab. This larger vehicle, roughly the size of a bus, is designed to transport up to 20 passengers or cargo, making it a flexible option for mass transit or goods delivery in high-density areas. Its silver metallic exterior is accentuated by black details and strips of light running along its sides.

 

 

The Robovan’s interior features carriage-style seating, allowing passengers to face each other—a layout that seems to anticipate a future where vehicle occupants can socialize or work during their commutes rather than focus on driving. Sliding glass doors provide easy access, while the bright interior aims to create a welcoming atmosphere. The modular seating can be reconfigured for different purposes, including cargo hauling.

 

 

Questions about regulation, infrastructure, and public acceptance loom large. Will cities be ready for a fleet of self-driving taxis and buses? And perhaps more importantly, how will the public adapt to surrendering control to AI-driven vehicles?

 

 

 

• https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/10/elon-musk-hypes-a-30000-tesla-cybercab-robovan-at-robotaxi-event.html 
• https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-11/musk-shows-tesla-cybercab-sees-sub-30-000-cost-and-2026-debut  
• https://electrek.co/2024/10/10/tesla-unveils-cybercab-electric-robotaxi/ 

 

Opening image: Tesla and Elon Musk