Elon Musk Set to Reveal 'Cybercab' at Tesla Robotaxi Launch Event

10.10.2024

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is set to unveil a prototype of the much-anticipated Cybercab robotaxi at Warner Bros Studios in Burbank, California, on Thursday. Musk has long been fascinated by self-driving cars and has made bold predictions about their potential to save lives and generate income for their owners by being rented out for rides or even as overnight accommodations.

At the “We, Robot” event, Musk will face pressure to address doubts about Tesla’s ability to deliver on these ambitious promises. The robotaxi project has already faced delays, having originally been slated for release in August. Some analysts argue that the focus on robotaxis is a distraction from Tesla’s need to prioritize the release of a more affordable electric vehicle. Meanwhile, competitors like Waymo, owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, already have robotaxis operating on U.S. roads.

Musk attributed the latest delay to last-minute changes he made, as he explained in a post on X (formerly Twitter). However, analysts emphasize that it is now time for Tesla to show tangible progress. Jessica Caldwell from edmunds.com noted that there is significant anticipation, and it would be disappointing if Tesla fails to present a fully developed concept with operational details at the event.

Despite the event’s hype, the BBC and other media outlets, including Bloomberg, have not been able to secure invitations to attend the Cybercab unveiling in person. However, the event will be livestreamed on X at 19:00 Pacific Time on Thursday.

Little is known about the Cybercab’s design, though reports suggest it will feature two seats and butterfly doors. The vehicle is expected to rely on cameras and computing power rather than Lidar, the laser-based sensors preferred by competitors. Musk has hinted that some of Tesla’s robotaxis will be owned by the company, while Tesla owners could also rent out their vehicles through Tesla’s network when not in use.

Industry experts, including analysts at Wedbush, expect to see on-site demonstrations of the Cybercab prototype at the event. In addition to design details, many will be looking for projections on the vehicle’s scalability, cost per mile, and the possibility of a Tesla ride-share app. Although the deployment of robotaxis has faced challenges, including a recent incident involving a Cruise-operated driverless car in San Francisco, the sector continues to grow. Waymo recently announced plans to expand its fleet, and Uber is also looking to integrate more autonomous vehicles into its network.