Tesla’s Robotaxi promises autonomous transport for under $30,000

Oct 11

In an eagerly anticipated event at Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles, Elon Musk finally unveiled the long-awaited Tesla Robotaxi, or as it's been dubbed, the “Cybercab.” Along with its sleek, futuristic design that takes cues from Tesla’s iconic Cybertruck, the Robotaxi marks a significant leap in autonomous driving technology and is aimed at redefining urban transportation.

The Robotaxi’s appearance is reminiscent of Volkswagen’s ultra-efficient XL1 but with distinct Cybertruck-inspired aesthetics, sporting a greenhouse similar to the Model Y. Its sharp, angular body features flat surfaces and full-width light bars, and the absence of traditional car components like a steering wheel and pedals accentuates its autonomous nature. It also seemingly has humongous wheels, one can only wonder how much they weigh. This minimalist design extends to the interior, which houses two seats, butterfly doors, cup holders, and a massive 21-inch central touchscreen. With no rear window and a significant cargo area, it's clear that Tesla envisions the Robotaxi serving both passengers and delivery needs.

As Tesla moves toward a future of prioritizing autonomous vehicles, the Robotaxi seeks to transform how people interact with cars. With the driving done by Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, passengers can simply input their destination and...well, enjoy the ride. During the event, a fleet of 20 fully functional prototypes shuttled attendees around the studio lot, navigating various obstacles such as parked cars and unpredictable pedestrians with ease.

The driving style, described as cautious by the riders, seemingly felt akin to a careful relative behind the wheel. But surprisingly, the lack of a steering wheel means passengers surrender full control to the AI more readily, finding comfort in its precision. The interior layout, with its reclining seats and ample legroom, creates a relaxed, lounge-like atmosphere, encouraging passengers to watch movies, play games, or even nap as the car does the work.

One of the Robotaxi’s key innovations is its use of inductive charging. While many EVs rely on conventional plug-in charging, the Robotaxi's wireless system is expected to improve convenience and streamline fleet operations. Although exact battery details and range figures were not disclosed, Tesla claims the Robotaxi will achieve 5.5 miles per kilowatt-hour (mpkWh) with a target range of around 200 miles.

Musk envisions the Robotaxi as more than just a car—it's a business opportunity for the owner. With its relatively low price point of $30,000, owners can invest in multiple Robotaxis, operating them like an autonomous fleet similar to ride-hailing services like Uber. While the specific platform for these autonomous taxis has yet to be revealed, Musk hinted that owners could send their Robotaxis out to generate income when not in personal use.

However, perhaps even more significant right now than the Robotaxi’s debut is Tesla’s broader plan to allow Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with FSD to drive autonomously, starting in California and Texas next year. This move will create an even larger fleet of self-driving Teslas on the road, offering owners the option to drive themselves or let the car earn money for them.

The Robotaxi wasn’t the only star of the show. Musk also introduced the "Robovan," a fully autonomous van capable of carrying 20 passengers or large amounts of cargo. While details remain scarce, Musk assured attendees that the Robovan would indeed make it to production. Its design, a cross between an airstream trailer and a futuristic bus, and perhaps a toaster, suggests that Tesla is looking beyond just cars to revolutionize public and commercial transport as well.

Another highlight of the event was Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus. Musk believes that Optimus, a humanoid robot designed for household tasks and companionship, could surpass the popularity of Tesla’s vehicles in the long run. Demonstrating its abilities, Optimus danced, served drinks, and socialized with the crowd, demonstrating a future where robots become an integral part of daily life.

While the reveal was packed with excitement, many obstacles remain ahead. Tesla’s FSD system still requires regulatory approval before fully autonomous vehicles can operate on public roads. Musk remains optimistic, predicting that Tesla’s unsupervised self-driving capability will arrive as soon as next year. Until then, the future of autonomy is steadily approaching, and Tesla’s Robotaxi offers a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come.

If Elon Musk can keep his promises about its groundbreaking design, relatively affordable price, and promise of revolutionizing personal and public transport, the Tesla Robotaxi is poised to be a game-changer in the automotive world. Production may not begin until 2027, but it’s clear that Tesla is steering the future of mobility in an entirely new direction.

Yash Stalin

Yashwanth (Yash) Stalin has been sincerely passionate about cars for as long as he can remember. What began as a childhood hobby of simply naming cars on the road has grown into a career-defining passion. Inspired by years of consuming countless articles and videos, his love for cars evolved into a desire to write his own material and help others in the way those articles helped him. This ambition led to the creation of HEEL & TOE, through which he channels his enthusiasm and knowledge, providing readers with informative content about the automotive industry.

Tesla’s Robotaxi promises autonomous transport for under $30,000

Meet the LaFerrari succesor - the F80

The "1" car trilogy is complete