After years of anticipation, Tesla has finally unveiled its much-hyped robotaxi, the Cybercab. Inspired by the design of its Cybertruck sibling, the Cybercab is a fully electric, autonomous vehicle that will be available for purchase by private consumers.
Showcased at a recent event, the Cybercab showcased Tesla's latest autonomous driving technology. With approximately 20 units on display, attendees had the opportunity to experience test rides. Elon Musk, Tesla's visionary CEO, announced that production of the Cybercab is slated to begin in 2026, though he acknowledged his tendency for optimistic timelines. To provide a more realistic estimate, Musk stated that production would commence before 2027 and suggested a price point below $30,000.
Given the Cybercab's driverless nature, regulatory approval is a prerequisite for manufacturing and selling it to the public. The vehicle's interior reflects Tesla's minimalist aesthetic, featuring two seats and a large central touchscreen reminiscent of the Model 3 and Model Y.
The Cybercab's exterior echoes the design elements of the Cybertruck, with a prominent full-width LED light bar and sharp creases along the hood and rear shoulders. However, a unique feature distinguishes it from other Tesla models: butterfly doors. While these doors promise improved ingress and egress, their practicality in real-world scenarios remains to be seen.
Tesla's commitment to aerodynamics is evident in the Cybercab, with wheel covers designed to enhance range. At the rear, a thin light bar further emphasizes the vehicle's futuristic appearance. Although specific details about the Cybercab's powertrain and range have yet to be disclosed, these metrics are crucial for a robotaxi intended for continuous, daily use.
Unexpectedly, Musk concluded the event with another groundbreaking announcement: the Robovan. This fully electric, autonomous bus can accommodate up to 20 passengers or be used for transporting goods. While technical specifications were limited, Musk confirmed that the Robovan would leverage Tesla's most advanced self-driving technology, relying solely on vision-based systems. Similar to the Cybercab, the Robovan features a spacious interior without a steering wheel or pedals.