Tesla unveils Cybercab Robotaxi at $30K — and surprises with new robovan

Musk anticipates that the Cybercab will retail for under $30,000 upon its expected release between 2026 and 2027, and will utilize wireless induction technology for charging, potentially through mats or tracks embedded in roads.

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Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk finally introduced the highly anticipated driverless robotaxi, known as the “Cybercab,” during the “We, Robot” event in Los Angeles on October 10. The event also featured a surprise debut of a larger autonomous vehicle, the Robovan, designed to accommodate more passengers and cargo.

After a nearly hour-long delay, attendees were treated to an up-close look at Tesla’s latest innovations, which reflect the company’s strategic focus on autonomous driving technology. Musk made a grand entrance in the Cybercab, showcasing its unique design that includes a Cybertruck-inspired light bar, scissor-like doors, and a minimalist interior. The Cybercab demonstrated its autonomous capabilities by navigating the closed-course lot at Warner Brothers Studios en route to the stage.

Initial reactions from investors were less enthusiastic, with Tesla’s stock dropping over 5% in premarket trading following the reveal.

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The Cybercab is designed to be fully autonomous, featuring no steering wheel or pedals. Musk stated, “We’ll move from supervised full self-driving to unsupervised full self-driving,” indicating that the vehicles will soon be able to operate without human intervention. He anticipates that the Cybercab will retail for under $30,000 upon its expected release between 2026 and 2027, and will utilize wireless induction technology for charging, potentially through mats or tracks embedded in roads.

Tesla plans to launch unsupervised full self-driving (FSD) trials in Texas and California next year using Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, with further expansions wherever regulatory conditions allow.

Wall Street analysts envision existing Tesla owners integrating their vehicles into the company’s rideshare service once enhanced with FSD technology and Tesla’s forthcoming rideshare mobility app. This could unlock significant value and redefine the rideshare landscape.

While many anticipated the unveiling of a lower-cost “next-gen” model, Tesla did not provide details on this vehicle. However, there is speculation that the Cybercab may share a chassis with this future model, which Tesla has confirmed will launch later this year at a sub-$30,000 price point.

In an unexpected twist, Tesla also introduced the Robovan, a much larger EV designed to transport up to 20 people or a substantial amount of cargo. The Robovan features a futuristic design reminiscent of the film Blade Runner, complete with hidden wheels and the absence of a traditional windshield. Musk noted that the Robovan can be tailored for both commercial and personal use, though no release date or pricing was announced.

Musk also presented a group of Optimus robots during the event, claiming they would likely be priced between $20,000 and $30,000 when they eventually go on sale. These robots interacted with attendees, even serving drinks at the event.

In addition to viewing the new vehicles, attendees had the opportunity to experience rides in the Cybercabs and in Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating autonomously, marking a significant step forward in Tesla’s mission to revolutionize transportation.