Elon Musk unveils autonomous robotaxi, called Tesla 'Cybercab'

Musk anticipates tha Cybercabs could significantly reduce the need for personal car ownership, transforming the way people move within cities and contributing to a greener, more efficient transportation ecosystem.

At Tesla’s much-anticipated “We, Robot” event Musk travelled to the stage in a Cybercab a fully autonomous vehicle designed without steering wheels or pedals. This launch marks a significant step in Tesla’s push toward a future dominated by driverless technology, a vision that Musk believes will propel the company’s long-term growth in the electric vehicle market.

Introducing the company’s latest innovation, the Cybercab, Elon Musk said, "It will be cheaper than mass transit. Unsupervised, full self-driving capable cars should be available in Texas and California by next year on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y for starters. Model S and Cybertruck too. Production of Cybercab optimised for fully autonomous self-driving will start sometime in 2026.”

Musk also shared that the vehicles will be available for less than $30,000 (approx. Rs 25.2 lakh). The robotaxi will charge wirelessly through an inductive charger. By removing traditional driving controls, Tesla aims to provide a more spacious and accessible interior that enhances the passenger experience.

The Cybercab reveal drew both excitement and scepticism from investors and analysts, many of whom have raised concerns about the challenges of achieving fully autonomous driving capabilities. Musk acknowledged these challenges but emphasised Tesla’s advancements in AI, highlighting the company’s progress in developing a fleet of 50 fully autonomous vehicles ready to operate without human intervention.

“We’ve created a futuristic world,” Musk said on social media platform X, describing the event’s immersive setting. "The vast majority of the time, cars are just doing nothing," Musk said on stage. "But if they’re autonomous, they could be used five times more, maybe 10 times more."

The Cybercab will operate using Tesla’s advanced Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, which includes an array of cameras, sensors, and AI algorithms that allow the vehicle to navigate complex city environments with ease and safety.