By Anthony Henson, October 11, 2024
With Tesla Robo Taxi, Tesla wants to make the future truly feel like the future. However, the cynic in me asks: what about a future with low inflation and interest rates? What about an end to the never-ending chaos of boom-bust economics? And what about a future with decent public infrastructure?
Still, we all, in our own way, look toward the future, imagining ourselves living better lives than we do now, whether through hard work or random good luck. But we also know that achieving the future we envision may not unfold exactly as planned.
In this sense, the Tesla Robo Taxi represents a symbolic vision of our future goals. Tesla’s recent presentation revealed exciting details about this autonomous electric vehicle, and while it’s thrilling to dream about the possibilities of self-driving cars and the future of transportation, the road to realizing these promises can be difficult.
Consider the Tesla Cybertruck as an example: it was delayed by several years, faced significant production challenges, and ultimately cost double the original pre-production estimate. Yes, the Tesla Robo Taxi looks like a breakthrough for autonomous ride-sharing and electric vehicle innovation, but we should wait for the final, retail-ready product before declaring that the future has truly arrived.
It’s Officially Called The Cybercab
The Cybercab, draws inspiration from the iconic Cybertruck and is a fully autonomous electric vehicle and a consumer-ready product. At a recent live presentation, Tesla showcased about 20 Cybercabs, giving attendees a firsthand experience of its cutting-edge technology.
Production is slated to begin by 2026, with Elon Musk aiming for a price below $30,000. The Cybercab’s sleek, minimalist interior features a spacious two-seater setup and a large infotainment screen, while the exterior boasts futuristic elements like butterfly doors and sharp, angular lines.
Though specific details about its powertrain and range remain undisclosed it is almost certain that the Cybercab will utilise Tesla’s current EV powertrain technology. The absence of a steering wheel and pedals highlights its fully autonomous capabilities.
The Cybercab represents Tesla’s continued push for sustainable, accessible transportation.
