Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a robot taxi and a self-driving bus during a major show in Hollywood on Thursday night. The taxi, dubbed “Cybercab,” has two gullwing doors and looks like a coupe based on Tesla’s best-seller, the Model 3.
According to Musk, the Cybercab will cost less than $30,000, and production is expected to start in 2026. The billionaire did admit, however, that he tends to be optimistic about timetables.
The autonomous driving software, which no longer requires human intervention, is expected to be deployed in the current Model 3 and Model Y in Texas and California next year. Musk still wants to achieve this with cameras and software only, and without expensive technology such as laser radars in other self-driving cars.
Robovan
Musk also presented a futuristic-looking self-driving bus, called ‘Robovan’. The bus should be able to seat up to twenty people. The wedge-shaped front is somewhat reminiscent of earlier visions of the future for locomotives. According to Musk, the Robovan can also transport goods. When the bus can be expected on the streets was not indicated.
In addition, Musk also provided information on Thursday evening about the robot Optimus. According to Musk, this would be “the most important product. ” It sounds like every human will have at least one as a mechanical helper.
Musk was driven around Warner Bros. Hollywood Studios in Los Angeles on Thursday night in a Cybercab without a steering wheel or pedals. Because it is a private location, permission from the traffic authorities was not required. Tesla had a small fleet of Cybercabs ready, and attendees were driven around the vast film sets. Only analysts and influencers who speak positively about Tesla on the internet were invited. Journalists were not welcome.
Musk is also currently campaigning heavily for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who hopes to return to the White House in November.