Tesla Cybercab, Robovan Driverless EVs Unveiled, But Won’t Launch Soon

Tesla unveiled a prototype of its much-hyped fully autonomous “Robotaxi”, which the company is now also referring to as “Cybercab”, at an event in Los Angeles. CEO Elon Musk also surprised the audience by showing off a prototype “Robovan” which could carry far more people plus cargo. Both vehicles are intended to shake up public transportation networks, but only one of them is relatively close to being mass produced. Musk announced an indicative price of under $30,000 (approximately ₹25,21,575) for the Cybercab, and said it will launch within the next two years, while no information about the Robovan was announced. 

The Cybercab is a two-door, two-seater electric car with butterfly-wing doors and a large trunk. It has no driver controls whatsoever. Users will purportedly be able to hail one of these cars using an app, and use it for as long as they need to before letting it drive away to its next user. However, it will also be available for sale, according to Musk. 

Running cost is stated to be $0.20 (₹16.8) per mile (approximately Rs. 10 per km) and the vehicle will cost under $30,000 with a launch target of 2026. However, several Tesla models have been late to market and base models have launched later, with premium configurations offered first. Interestingly, Tesla was criticised earlier this year for dropping a low-cost EV project in favour of the autonomous taxi. The previously rumoured sub-$30,000 vehicle was likely part of Tesla's now-abandoned plans to enter the Indian market and even potentially begin manufacturing cars here.

Tesla has been working on its full-self driving (FSD) autonomous vehicle technology since at least 2016, but has not managed to deliver on many promises. Tesla vehicles were touted as being able to double up as autonomous taxis to let their owners earn passive income, and owners were told they could “summon” a car from across the country and it would drive to them on its own, unoccupied. Earlier this year, the optional FSD package for Tesla cars was rebranded to Full Self Driving (Supervised), upsetting customers.

Images of the Cybercab released by Tesla show a coupe body style with a sharply angled back. On the inside, there is no steering wheel and no pedals. Two passengers can use a large central touchscreen for entertainment and navigation. The Cybercab will be the first Tesla model to be fitted with a wireless induction charger as standard equipment. There will also be an automated washing station that fleet managers can operate. 

Up to 20 prototype units in a gold finish were driving people around the event venue, though at low speed and in a very controlled environment. Detailed specifications have not been released, but Musk did announce that the car would use its recently announced “AI5” onboard computer, with only cameras for sensing. 

The Tesla Robovan prototype could seat up to 20 passengers or be customised to carry cargo.

Musk surprised the audience at the event by also unveiling a larger 20-seater minibus, called Robovan. Much less is known about this vehicle and it does not yet have a target launch date or price, but it will be configurable to carry cargo as well as passengers. It could be deployed as a public transportation option, or used for deliveries. A prototype drove out onto the stage during the presentation but no other demonstrations were made. Tesla’s images show a luxurious interior with wide seats, and an art-deco style retro-futuristic exterior.

Operating costs were said to be as low as $0.5-0.10 per mile (approximately ₹2.5-5 per km), making the Robovan more practical. It would also be more useful in reducing urban congestion and could be used as a shuttle within small areas such as a campus or airport. 

Finally, Tesla showed off its Optimus humanoid robots’ latest capabilities, including dancing and playing rock-paper-scissors. Although it could cost over $20,000 (approximately ₹16,81,050), it is touted to be capable of performing domestic tasks. The company is targeting sales of the Optimus robot by late 2025.