Elon Musk unveils $30k Tesla Robotaxi revolution
Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, has unveiled a revolutionary concept for the automotive industry. As shared by Musk, his company plans to produce affordable autonomous cars in the coming years that can function as taxis or even buses, with a price tag not expected to exceed $30,000.
11:02 AM EDT, October 13, 2024
Elon Musk, the head of Tesla, presented this vision for the future of autonomous transportation during a dazzling event at the Warner Bros Studio in Los Angeles. On stage, a new robotaxi named Cybercab was introduced, entirely without a steering wheel and pedals.
The vehicle resembles a blend of the massive Cybertruck and Tesla's popular Model 3. Musk announced that the vehicle could be sold as early as 2027, priced at less than $30,000. The cost of a ride in this car is anticipated to be only 20 cents per mile.
Autonomous cars like the presented model are set to revolutionize public transportation. Musk stated, "The cost of autonomous transport will be so low that it can be treated as individualized mass transport." Additionally, a larger "robovan" will join the Cybercab, capable of accommodating up to 20 passengers and also not requiring a driver.
Musk announces autonomous vehicles
Although robotaxi production is set to begin before 2027, these vehicles will only be able to operate where regulations permit. Musk revealed that as soon as next year, autonomous rides without supervision may be allowed in California and Texas. However, the technical details have not yet been disclosed.
It is known only that the Cybercab will use inductive charging technology, meaning no traditional charging port. It is presumed that charging will occur at stations where the vehicle will also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before the next ride.
The entire vehicle is designed for transporting people without a driver [...] This is precisely what we aim to achieve. What will you do with your time when you no longer have to drive? You can sleep, watch a movie, or work. Moving in an autonomous vehicle will give you opportunities you don't have now. It's a revolution, said Musk, as quoted by "Independent".
It seems that the robotaxi won't be Tesla's only autonomous vehicle. The new technology is expected to be applied to Tesla's entire lineup—from Model 3 and Model Y to Model S, X, and the larger Cybertruck. Additionally, Musk reiterated that Tesla users will be able to rent out their cars as autonomous taxis when they are not using them, creating a new income opportunity.
