Elon Musk unveils two-door robotaxi

Elon Musk unveils two-door robotaxi
Reuters

Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a futuristic robotaxi with gull-wing doors and no steering wheel or pedals, aiming for a 2026 production at under $30,000.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a highly anticipated robotaxi, featuring two gull-wing doors and no steering wheel or pedals, during a flashy event on Thursday.

The robotaxi, dubbed "Cybercab," is expected to go into mass production by 2026 and be priced under $30,000. However, Musk did not provide specifics on how quickly production could scale or how Tesla plans to navigate regulatory challenges.

Analysts pointed out that establishing robotaxis, ensuring their safety, and dealing with complex driving conditions like bad weather and pedestrian behavior could take years.

Musk stated that autonomous vehicles could be significantly safer than human drivers, potentially lasting five to ten times longer. He remarked, "The autonomous future is here" and emphasized how autonomy allows people to reclaim their time.

Although Musk previously mentioned launching a self-driving Tesla taxi service through an app, he did not touch on that topic during the presentation. The event, titled "We, Robot," seemed to nod to Isaac Asimov’s "I, Robot" stories and reflected Musk’s belief that Tesla should be seen as an AI robotics company rather than just an automaker.

Musk explained that running the Cybercab would cost around 20 cents per mile, while the robovan would be even cheaper at 5 cents per mile. Charging would be wireless, eliminating the need for plugs. Tesla’s vehicles will rely on AI and cameras instead of hardware like lidar, which rivals use—a decision that experts say poses technical and regulatory challenges.

He also highlighted progress on Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, which could eventually sell for $20,000 to $30,000 and perform everyday tasks.

The presentation, which was delayed due to a medical emergency, lasted less than 30 minutes and drew an audience of about four million on Musk’s X social platform. Some investors were left disappointed by the lack of concrete timelines, with one trader expressing dissatisfaction.

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