Everything We Know About the Tesla Cybercab

After much speculation and anticipation, Tesla has revealed its plans for the future of autonomous driving with the unveiling of the Tesla Cybercab. This innovative vehicle embodies Tesla’s ultimate vision for self-driving technology, featuring a design so advanced that it doesn’t even include a steering wheel. The Cybercab was officially introduced at Tesla's "We, Robot" event on October 10, offering insight into what Tesla perceives as the next leap in transportation.

During the event, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk shared an array of details about the Cybercab and Tesla’s aspirations for it. While there are still many aspects that remain unclear, here’s a comprehensive look at what we know so far regarding the Cybercab.

Exterior Design

The Cybercab’s design is somewhat expected, showcasing a blend between the iconic Cybertruck and the Model 3. It features elongated light bars on both the front and rear, presenting a modern aesthetic while resembling a traditional vehicle. Similar to the Model 3 and Model Y, it has a curved roofline, yet it finishes with a flat rear end reminiscent of the Cybertruck.

One of the more striking elements of the design is the wheel appearance. The Cybercab is fitted with large wheels that boast remarkably slim tires; however, attendees noted that the tires are cleverly painted for an illusion of sleekness.

It's important to mention that the design of the Cybercab is subject to change before its launch. Tesla vehicles have historically undergone minor design tweaks between announcement and production, but we can expect the final version to maintain a likeness to what was revealed at the event.

The Cybercab also features unique doors that open upwards, enhancing passenger accessibility and comfort. The vehicle has a metallic finish; unlike the Cybertruck, it sports a lighter gold hue.

Interior Design

What lies inside the Tesla Cybercab is even more intriguing than its exterior. As the Cybercab is engineered explicitly for autonomous driving, Tesla has had the freedom to innovate the interior design.

Notably, the vehicle lacks a steering wheel and pedals, creating a more spacious environment for passengers. In its current form, the Cybercab accommodates only two passengers, with no rear seating present.

Nevertheless, the interior features a sizable 20.5-inch center display, allowing passengers to enjoy movies, play games, and engage in other entertainment options while traveling.

Range and Charging

The self-driving nature of the Tesla Cybercab means that traditional concerns about range may not be as pressing. This is because the Cybercab can autonomously navigate to charging stations. However, range will still be important for long-distance journeys. While specific range figures were not disclosed, there is hope that the Cybercab will achieve at least a range of 300 miles, if not more.

A standout feature of the Cybercab is its charging method. According to Musk, this vehicle won't include a conventional charging port; instead, it will utilize inductive charging, akin to the way smartphones recharge. How this process will work and its efficiency remain somewhat ambiguous.

It's significant to note that this means the Tesla Cybercab will not charge at Tesla Supercharger stations unless there’s a major overhaul of the charging infrastructure. Whether Tesla will transition all of its vehicles to inductive charging remains uncertain, especially given the industry's movement towards standardizing charging ports in the U.S.

Price and Availability

Musk indicated that the Tesla Cybercab is expected to hit the roads by the end of 2027, with a price point under $30,000. This means it will be available for purchase, not solely as a part of Tesla's self-driving taxi fleet.

However, it's essential to approach this timing and pricing with caution, as Tesla has struggled in the past to accurately forecast launch dates and costs. For instance, the second-generation Tesla Roadster, announced in 2017, has yet to be released, and the Cybertruck has faced significant delays while its price has more than doubled since its initial announcement in 2019. Therefore, it’s wise to remain skeptical about Tesla's predictions, especially given the complexities associated with the Cybercab's design and functionality.

Tesla, Cybercab, Autonomous