Elon Musk unveils cybercab: Affordable autonomous travel by 2027
Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, has unveiled a revolutionary concept in the automotive industry. As announced by the owner of platform X, his company plans to produce affordable autonomous cars in the coming years that can also serve as taxis or even minibuses. Their cost is expected to be no more than £24,000.
Elon Musk, the head of Tesla, presented his vision for the future of autonomous transport during a dazzling event at Warner Bros Studio in Los Angeles. On stage, a new robotaxi called Cybercab made its entrance, completely without a steering wheel and pedals.
The car resembles a combination of the massive Cybertruck and Tesla's popular Model 3. Musk announced that the vehicle might go on sale as early as 2027, with a price of less than £24,000. It is expected that a ride in this car will cost only 12 pence per kilometre.
Autonomous cars like the presented model are set to revolutionise public transport. Musk stated, "The cost of autonomous transport will be so low that it can be treated as individualised 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 early as next year, autonomous rides without supervision may be allowed in California and Texas. However, it should be noted that the technical details have not yet been disclosed.
It is known only that the Cybercab will be charged using inductive technology, meaning no traditional charging port. It is presumed that charging will take place at stations where the vehicle will also be fully 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 film, or work. Travelling in an autonomous vehicle will give you opportunities you don't currently have. It's a revolution, said Musk, as quoted by "Independent".
It seems that the robotaxi will not be Tesla's only autonomous vehicle. The new technology is set to be applied across Tesla's entire range – from Model 3, through 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.
