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- Tesla unveils Robovan and Cybercab robotaxis
- Robovan designed to accommodate up to 20 passengers
- Plans for cargo versions are in development
On Thursday, Tesla announced the launch of the Cybercab robotaxi, alongside an unexpected introduction of a larger Robovan robotaxi.
While the Cybercab is a compact two-seater meant for urban transport, the Robovan can carry as many as 20 passengers, making it an excellent alternative for services that currently depend on minibuses and similar large vehicles.
During the event, Tesla CEO Elon Musk projected that the Robovan could provide a cost as low as 5-10 cents per mile per individual, though he did not elaborate on how these costs were calculated.
Similar to the Cybercab, the Robovan will be available for both individual consumers and fleet operators. However, Tesla did not disclose when the Robovan would be released or its pricing details. It is expected to launch after the Cybercab, which Musk indicated is planned for 2026 at a starting price of under $30,000.
Tesla Robotaxi Cybercab
The Robovan showcases design elements reminiscent of the Art Deco era, popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Musk confirmed that the design will remain intact through production, although maintaining its low ride height may pose challenges. While the model displayed featured multiple seating options, Musk mentioned that there are plans for variants focused on transporting goods.
Like the Cybercab, the Robovan is lacking a steering wheel and pedals. This is an ambitious claim, especially since Tesla has yet to prove a self-driving system that can operate independently without continual oversight.
Currently, Tesla’s Autopilot with Full-Self Driving (FSD) is at Level 2 on the SAE scale of self-driving capabilities. Level 3 is the first phase where a vehicle can drive without supervision; at present, only Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot system holds a Level 3 rating among private vehicles.
Tesla Robovan
Tesla Robovan
Tesla Robovan
On Thursday, Musk stated that the Autopilot with Full-Self Driving (FSD) is on track to operate autonomously next year, starting in California and Texas. However, he did not specify the circumstances under which this upgraded system would function.
In its future plans, Tesla aims to introduce an Uber-like service known as the Tesla Network, where its robotaxis will be active. Individuals who own a self-driving Tesla will also have the opportunity to contribute their vehicles to the Tesla Network fleet. In 2019, Musk suggested that Tesla would take a share of the revenue generated, potentially around 25-30%.
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