Tesla has finally revealed the long-awaited Robotaxi, now officially called Cybercab, a vehicle that promises to changing the future of urban mobility. In a spectacular event held at Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles, Elon Musk presented this revolutionary autonomous taxi, sparking excitement among investors and enthusiasts. With a compact, futuristic design, the absence of a steering wheel and pedals marks a huge step forward towards fully autonomous driving. Musk announced that the vehicle will be priced at less than $30.000 and production will begin in 2026.
“We, Robot”: A Spectacular Show in Hollywood
The Cybercab launch lived up to Hollywood expectations. The event, titled “We, Robot” in homage to Isaac Asimov’s famous novel, saw Musk arrive on stage aboard a Cybercab prototype. With lights and spotlights, spectators, including John Elkann and Kimbal Musk, were catapulted into a future that seemed to have come out of a science fiction film. In addition to the vehicle presentation, attendees were able to experience a short ride in one of these taxis of the future, experiencing autonomous driving.
Il Musk's plan is ambitious: create a ffight managed entirely by Tesla, with vehicles that can be called via an app, like modern ride-sharing services. The real twist, however, is the possibility for owners to purchase a Cybercab and rent it out when not in use, thus generating extra income. “We use our car for about 10 hours a week out of 168 total. Why not have it work for us when we are not using it?” Musk asked. The Tesla CEO estimated that the cost of the Cybercab could be only $0,20 per mile, versus a dollar per mile for a city bus.
Self-Driving Without a Steering Wheel: The Future Is Now?
The most iconic element of the Cybercab is the complete absence of steering wheel and pedals, something that until recently seemed to belong to science fiction. Musk enthusiastically declared: “The Robotaxi will be ten times safer than a traditional vehicle“. Thanks to Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, which uses neural networks and artificial intelligence, the Cybercab will be able to manage driving completely autonomously. Unlike other manufacturers that use radar or Lidar, Tesla relies exclusively to a camera system, a choice that has raised doubts among some experts, but which Musk has firmly defended.
The Cybercab will be Initially launched in California and Texas, but the road to global adoption won't be without obstacles. Not every state or country is ready to roll out fully autonomous vehicles, and getting regulatory approval will be one of Tesla's biggest challenges.
Cybercab, between design and technology
In addition to the technology, Tesla has taken care of the smallest details comfort and travel experienceThe spacious and minimalist cockpit has no steering wheel or pedals, with a large central screen which acts as an interface for the passengers. The vehicle is powered by induction rechargeable batteries, thus eliminating the need for a traditional charging socket. As icing on the cake, the vehicle will be equipped with a automatic cleaning which will sanitize the interior after each ride, ensuring an always safe and impeccable environment.
Is Cybercab safe?
One of the most debated topics regarding autonomous driving is the security. Musk believes that Tesla's autonomous vehicles are significantly safer than cars driven by humans. “They don’t get tired, they don’t look at their cell phones,” he said, in an apparent reference to one of the most common distractions while driving.
Thanks to data collected from the millions of Tesla vehicles already in circulation, the Cybercab will be able to dealing with complex situations with greater efficiency than a human driver. However, they remain, some doubts: Many experts question the ability of FSD technology to handle unpredictable situations, especially in congested urban environments. Regulatory approval could also be a significant obstacle, as each state will have its say on the spread of autonomous vehicles.
Tesla, not just taxis: here are the Robovan and Optimus
But Tesla didn't stop at the Cybercab. During the event, Musk unveiled the Robovan, a 20-seater minivan designed to transport large groups, also autonomous and without a driver. The Robovan has a design that recalls the vintage lines of the 50s, with a cozy interior furnished with sofas and armchairs. “Imagine a world where our cities no longer need huge parking lots,” Musk dreamed aloud. “Green spaces will replace concrete yards.”
The Robovan, like the Cybercab, will be operated by Tesla, reducing operating costs thanks to the complete automation of the system. This could open the doors to a new model of public transportation, more efficient and less expensive.
No less surprising was the Presentation of the humanoid robot Optimus. This robot, available at a price between 20.000 and 30.000 dollars, will be able to perform numerous tasks, from mowing the lawn to running errands. Musk joked that in the not too distant future we could have the our “personal R2-D2".
Tesla vs. Waymo: The War of Self-Driving Taxis
Musk is not the first to imagine a future of autonomous taxis. Competition is fierce, with Waymo, the division of Alphabet (Google) dedicated to autonomous driving, and Cruise, part of General Motors, both already active in the sector. But, their driverless taxi services they did not have the success hoped for. Between malfunctions and accidents, autonomous vehicles have often caused traffic jams and, in some cases, blocked the passage of emergency vehicles. These problems have pushed the authorities to review the situation: the State Department has ordered Cruise to drastically reduce the presence of its vehicles on the roads.
Musk, for his part, has stated that Tesla's Robotaxis will cost up to five times less compared to Waymo's services, an advantage that could make a difference in the long term.
Cybercab: Will Musk Hit the Target?
Elon Musk has outlined a exciting vision for the future of mobility, but the path to making Cybercab a reality will not be without obstacles. Tesla's promises, such as autonomous cars for less than $30.000, are ambitious, and the company has had difficulty in meeting deadlines, as the delays of the Cybertruck and Roadster demonstrate.
The real question is: the Is the public ready for a world without a steering wheel? With a mix of excitement and skepticism, the future of mobility is constantly evolving. Only time will tell if the Cybercab will become a concrete reality or remain a futuristic dream branded Tesla.