Tag: Cybercab

  • Tesla Ride Service Approved for California Roads, Excludes Cybercab

    Tesla Ride Service Approved for California Roads, Excludes Cybercab

    Key Takeaways

    1. The steering wheel-free Cybercab is set for mass production in 2026, according to chief engineer Lars Moravy.
    2. Tesla plans to release an unsupervised version of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, with initial drives starting in Austin in June.
    3. Texas has been selected as the first state for Tesla’s robotaxi service due to fewer regulations on autonomous vehicles.
    4. Tesla has obtained the Transportation Charter-Party Carrier Permit (TCP) in California, allowing it to run a ride service with its own vehicles and drivers.
    5. The timeline for hailing Cybercabs or renting Teslas through the ride-share platform is uncertain, with the earliest rides expected no sooner than 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

    When Elon Musk revealed the steering wheel-free Cybercab, he stated that it woudn’t enter mass production until 2026. This timeline still appears to be accurate according to chief engineer Lars Moravy in a recent discussion.

    Unsupervised FSD Update

    During the same announcement, Musk also indicated that the unsupervised version of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature would be released for Tesla vehicles this year. He later clarified that the initial unsupervised FSD drives are set to take place in Austin, starting in June.

    Texas as a Testing Ground

    Texas has been chosen as the first state for Tesla’s forthcoming robotaxi ride-share service due to its lack of specific regulations regarding autonomous vehicles. The company has even begun training local police and emergency services on how to respond when they encounter a self-driving Tesla operating a ride-share.

    In contrast, California has a more established framework for autonomous services, including companies like Waymo, and has implemented a detailed system of regulations and permits. Tesla recently obtained its first necessary permit, known as the Transportation Charter-Party Carrier Permit (TCP), which allows it to run a ride service in California.

    Permit Limitations

    Unlike the Transportation Network Company (TNC) permits held by firms like Uber, the TCP permit restricts Tesla to utilizing only its own vehicles and drivers for operations. Tesla has not yet received the California Autonomous Vehicle passenger permits and has not conducted the required tests with unsupervised FSD for the DMV there. Initially, Tesla staff will be responsible for driving other Tesla employees around.

    However, the TCP permit will enable Tesla to trial unsupervised FSD on public highways in California, along with the operation of its robotaxi ride-share app section, albeit with human drivers present.

    The start date for these testing phases is still uncertain, but the path to hailing Cybercabs or renting out one’s own Tesla for revenue on the ride-share platform seems to be lengthy and challenging. The first rides are not expected to occur before 2026 at the earliest, depending on regulatory approvals.

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    Tesla Ride Service Approved for California Roads, Excludes Cybercab
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  • Tesla Cybercab Battery Size and Real-World Driving Range Revealed

    Tesla Cybercab Battery Size and Real-World Driving Range Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla plans to launch a robotaxi service by the end of this year, featuring the Cybercab vehicle.
    2. The Cybercab will have a battery capacity of less than 50 kWh, offering a driving range of approximately 300 miles.
    3. The vehicle’s aerodynamic teardrop design enhances its energy efficiency, making it one of the most efficient electric vehicles available.
    4. The tapered rear design of the Cybercab is intended to improve aesthetics while maintaining functionality.
    5. Prototype Cybercabs are expected to be built this summer, with a full-scale launch anticipated in 2026.

    Tesla is gearing up to unveil a robotaxi service by the end of this year, and key company leaders have shared important details about the vehicle that will support this ride-hailing initiative. Earlier today, Lars Moravy, the Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, and Franz von Holzhausen, the Senior Design Executive, discussed their plans with renowned automotive presenter Sandy Munro.

    Impressive Specifications

    The Cybercab will feature a battery pack with a capacity that falls short of 50 kWh. This allows for a practical driving range of around 300 miles, while also achieving the top energy efficiency among electric vehicles currently available.

    The two-seater’s streamlined shape and aerodynamic wheel covers play a significant role in its leading energy efficiency. Von Holzhausen noted, “This vehicle is really special because of its teardrop design. It’s actually narrower at the back than at the front. Sure, you’ve covered the wheels, but the aerodynamics is a major element in achieving a longer range with a smaller battery.”

    Unique Design Features

    Von Holzhausen pointed out the tapered rear of the Cybercab, which can be easily seen from an aerial view. He emphasized that this design choice doesn’t make the vehicle look unattractive.

    Tesla is in the process of installing production machinery for the Cybercab at its Giga Texas facility. Prototype versions are expected to be built during the summer, with a full-scale launch planned for 2026. The self-driving model has already been observed at the company’s large site in Austin, Texas.

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  • Tesla Seeks Ride-Hailing License for Human Drivers

    Tesla Seeks Ride-Hailing License for Human Drivers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla has applied for a ride-hailing permit in California to enhance its robotaxi service.
    2. The permit allows Tesla to compete directly with companies like Waymo and Uber.
    3. Discussions with state officials indicate potential involvement of human drivers alongside autonomous vehicles.
    4. Waymo currently offers a driverless ride-hailing service in multiple locations, while Tesla has not yet applied for a driverless vehicle permit.
    5. Tesla plans to launch its Unsupervised Full Self-Driving service in Austin, Texas, with hopes of expanding to other US cities by the end of the year.

    Tesla seems to be making strides with its robotaxi service as it applies for a ride-hailing permit in California. Reports from Bloomberg indicate that the company submitted a request for a “transportation charter-party carrier permit” to the California Public Utilities Commission in late 2024.

    Competing with Major Players

    This permit will enable Tesla to go head-to-head with companies like Waymo and Uber. Notably, Uber’s CEO mentioned that Tesla chose to develop its ride-hailing service independently rather than collaborating with Uber. Discussions between Tesla and state officials have included topics such as driver’s licenses and drug testing, hinting that there might still be human drivers in the mix. The type of permit Tesla is seeking indicates that the company will own the vehicles rather than relying on individual drivers.

    Waymo’s Driverless Service

    Waymo currently provides a driverless ride-hailing service in various areas, including Metro Phoenix, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles. However, a spokesperson from Tesla informed Bloomberg that the company has neither applied for nor received a permit for testing or deploying driverless vehicles.

    Future Plans for Tesla

    Nevertheless, Tesla has announced plans to introduce its Unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Austin, Texas, in June, featuring the Cybercab as a paid option. While Tesla hasn’t secured regulatory approval in any location, CEO Elon Musk has expressed intentions to roll out the autonomous ride-hailing service in multiple cities across the US before the year concludes.

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  • Tesla’s In-House Robotaxi Platform Revealed by Uber CEO

    Tesla’s In-House Robotaxi Platform Revealed by Uber CEO

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla is seen as a direct competitor to Uber, as they declined collaboration on the robotaxi service.
    2. Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, remains open to future partnerships despite Tesla’s decision to develop ride-hailing services independently.
    3. Khosrowshahi highlighted the potential benefits of a partnership with Tesla to stabilize demand in the autonomous vehicle market.
    4. Tesla is actively advancing in the ride-hailing sector, including testing a mobile app for booking rides.
    5. Tesla plans to launch the two-seat Cybercab in October 2024, which will operate with Unsupervised Full Self-Driving technology.

    Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has disclosed that Tesla will be a direct rival to his company, as Tesla declined an offer for collaboration on its forthcoming robotaxi service. According to a report by Fortune, both Khosrowshahi and Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk had several talks, but Musk firmly stated that the ride-hailing service would be developed entirely in-house.

    Competing Head-to-Head

    Khosrowshahi mentioned, “I’ve had discussions with him at this point. They want to build it alone, so in a way, in Austin, we and Waymo will be going against Tesla when they launch… Life is long, but we would love to partner with them.” This indicates that despite the competition, Khosrowshahi remains open to future collaboration.

    Strategic Partnership Appeal

    Khosrowshahi emphasized the advantages of a possible partnership with Tesla at the time of launch. He noted that Uber could help ensure a steady demand for newcomers in the autonomous vehicle (AV) market, which can often see fluctuating interest.

    Tesla’s Ride-Hailing Advancements

    Tesla has been advancing in the ride-hailing sector. They revealed the mobile app for booking rides during an investor call last year. Currently, the company is testing the service with its staff in California and Texas, following the introduction of the two-seat Cybercab, which lacks a steering wheel, in October 2024. This self-driving vehicle will be utilized to initiate Unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in June.

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  • Elon Musk Dismisses Nissan Factory Investment Rumors

    Elon Musk Dismisses Nissan Factory Investment Rumors

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nissan is seeking investors after unsuccessful merger talks with Honda.
    2. Nissan plans to present a proposal to Tesla for potential investment or collaboration.
    3. Elon Musk believes that Tesla’s own manufacturing facilities are superior and may not benefit from investing in Nissan’s plants.
    4. Musk emphasizes the innovative production lines at Tesla’s factories, particularly the unprecedented Cybercab line.
    5. Nissan’s U.S. assembly plants have a capacity of one million vehicles but are currently producing only 500,000 units.

    Nissan is currently seeking investors after its merger discussions with Honda, another Japanese automobile manufacturer, did not succeed. Recent news suggests that Nissan is looking to engage Tesla, and CEO Elon Musk has shared his thoughts on why investing in Nissan’s facilities might not be the best move for his company.

    Nissan’s Proposal to Tesla

    A report from Fortune indicates that Nissan, with support from major industry figures and politicians in Japan, plans to present Tesla with a proposal. This has led to rumors that Tesla could take over Nissan’s manufacturing plants in the United States. However, in response to a post on X that highlighted the article, Musk remarked, “the Tesla factory is the product.” He emphasized that the production line for the Cybercab is unprecedented in the automotive sector.

    Musk’s Factory Insights

    Musk frequently highlights the advancements in his manufacturing facilities. He has stated that Giga Shanghai was built on the enhancements made in the Fremont factory, and Giga Berlin learned from the experiences of the Chinese plant. It’s important to note that upgrading an existing production site to meet Musk’s high standards can be more difficult than constructing a new facility from scratch.

    Nissan’s Production Capacity

    Nissan operates two assembly plants in the United States, with a total output capability of one million vehicles; however, they are only managing to produce around 500,000 units.

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  • Cybercab Profits at $15K: Tesla’s Robotaxi Passenger Solutions

    Cybercab Profits at $15K: Tesla’s Robotaxi Passenger Solutions

    With the drop in battery prices, Tesla’s Cybercab may turn a profit even at a price of $15,000, thanks to its efficiency per kWh of battery pack.

    However, this figure is lower than what Elon Musk stated during the Cybercab’s launch, where he mentioned it would be priced at twice that amount, not counting any subsidies or incentives. According to an analysis by ARK Invest concerning the potential of the robotaxi market, the cost could be achievable once produced on a larger scale.

    Efficiency and Costs

    Tesla has indicated that the Cybercab will achieve an efficiency of 5.5 miles per kWh. If we combine this with the expected decline in battery costs predicted by Wright’s Law, we might see battery costs drop to around $2,300. Generally, the drivetrain makes up around 20% of a vehicle’s overall cost, suggesting that a Cybercab could be profitable at or below $15,000.

    There are many assumptions involved here, and while ARK has a reputation for being overly optimistic, even if the price stays below $30,000 with subsidies, the real hurdles to getting Cybercabs on the streets have more to do with regulations than Tesla’s pricing.

    Regulatory Challenges Ahead

    Convincing regulators that a fully autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals is safe will take time. Even though Elon Musk has stated he will leverage his role in the DOGE project to expedite the regulatory process, whether that is a conflict of interest is still debatable.

    Tesla aims to kick off its robotaxi service with unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Austin this June. However, the fleet will initially consist of Model Y Juniper and Model 3 vehicles, with Cybercabs expected to join only by 2026 at the soonest.

    Practical Considerations for Cybercabs

    There are also numerous practical issues to resolve, like the Cybercab’s wireless charging and cleaning systems. After rides, when passengers leave behind a mess, there won’t be a driver available to clean it up with a portable vacuum.

    Tesla has hinted that it has solutions for these challenges and is working on a self-cleaning mechanism for its Robotaxi fleet. A robotic arm is designed to enter a Cybercab and automatically identify items to remove, dispose of, or vacuum.

    In the end, it can even wipe away fingerprints from the display, preparing the Cybercab for the next passenger. However, it remains uncertain how effectively all these systems will function in real life and where the cleaning and charging stations for the Cybercabs will be set up.

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  • Tesla Launches Driverless 2026 Model Y and Model 3 Ride-Share in Texas

    Tesla Launches Driverless 2026 Model Y and Model 3 Ride-Share in Texas

    When Elon Musk presented at the Cybercab launch event on October 10, he announced that Tesla plans to roll out unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology this year. This is intended to serve as the foundation for a robotaxi ride-share platform.

    Release Timeline for Autonomous Vehicles

    During the Q4 earnings call, Musk provided a timeline for the introduction of driverless Teslas on public roads, referring specifically to the unsupervised FSD. He mentioned that Tesla will deploy a fleet of vehicles, likely including the 2026 Model Y and the updated Model 3 equipped with HW4 technology, in Austin starting in June.

    As he stated, “The Teslas will be out there, all alone in June in Austin… We’ll be starting off slowly, just to make sure everything is alright. Our AI solution is generalized, meaning we don’t need super precise local maps. So we want to be careful. It works beyond Austin, we just want to test the waters safely before going all in.”

    Expansion Plans Across the U.S.

    The robotaxi service, which will utilize Tesla’s own cars, is expected to grow to California and other parts of the U.S. by year-end. Musk shared that once Tesla feels confident about the safety and functionality of its unsupervised FSD and ride-share services, they will open the fleet to Tesla owners in the following year.

    “It’ll be our fleet testing it out first. We’re being cautious and monitoring everything closely. But yes, we will have autonomous ride-hailing for payment in Austin come June. Soon after, we hope to expand to other U.S. cities. I believe we’ll be operating unsupervised with our fleet in multiple cities by the year’s end. Then, probably next year, we’ll allow people to add or remove their cars from our fleet. It’s not like we are inventing something entirely new; we just have to ensure all systems work properly, from car ordering to payments.”

    Initial Launch Locations

    Initially, Tesla indicated it would kick off the unsupervised FSD for the Cybercab service in Texas and California, where regulations on autonomous vehicles are either lenient or already established. It seems they opted for Texas due to a more relaxed regulatory environment.

    In December, Tesla organized a training session for first responders in Austin about handling driverless cars, which hinted at its choice of Texas for the first launch of the robotaxi service.

    The service will begin with Tesla’s own fleet, followed by the addition of private vehicles from owners willing to share them on the platform for durations ranging from a few hours to several months in 2026. Ultimately, the Cybercab, designed without a steering wheel or pedals, is also expected to debut around 2026.

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  • Robotaxi Tests Shuttle Service with Dummy Steering, Tesla Launches Cybercab Merch

    Robotaxi Tests Shuttle Service with Dummy Steering, Tesla Launches Cybercab Merch

    Tesla is currently conducting tests for its Cybercab ride-share service at its Gigafactory in Texas, where mass production is expected to start in 2026, assuming Elon Musk can navigate the autonomous vehicle regulations effectively by that time.

    Fleet Launch Plans

    To begin, Tesla plans to utilize a fleet of its existing vehicles to provide a driverless shuttle service on the Cybercab platform for employees in Texas and California. This is part of the so-called unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) phase, which requires demonstration that the self-driving technology is safer than human drivers. Elon Musk insists this will all happen within the next three months, aiming to roll out unsupervised FSD by year-end in select cities across these two states.

    Regulatory Challenges

    However, even this stage of the Robotaxi rollout will face significant regulatory hurdles, not to mention the challenges for a fully driverless Cybercab that lacks both steering wheels and pedals. It remains uncertain whether Tesla can meet its self-imposed timeline. Musk’s optimism might be linked to his new role leading a fresh Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he claims will advance federal regulations for autonomous vehicles, benefiting all electric vehicle makers.

    Public Sentiment and Speculation

    Despite this, experts are doubtful about the likelihood of getting approval for any car without steering wheels or pedals on public roads in the near future. This is why a recent drone flight over Giga Texas that captured the Cybercab seemingly driving with what appeared to be a steering wheel generated so much excitement.

    Many hoped Tesla would include a steering wheel at launch to expedite regulatory approval. Others speculated that this could be the much-anticipated Model 2/Q, which was supposed to launch before the Cybercab, and would be built on the same platform.

    Reality Check

    In truth, the supposed steering wheel was probably just an optical illusion, like a shadow of the A-pillar cast on the tinted windshield or a seat belt draped over a passenger dummy. The Cybercab appeared to be dropping off passengers and moving away, which are tests Tesla must conduct for its planned employee shuttle service.

    Even if the object was indeed a steering wheel, it could have been an engineering control device, similar to those used by Tesla to navigate the Cybercab in settings like ramps or showrooms where it frequently appears. When asked how the Cybercab reached its spot at a recent Brussels auto expo, the Tesla team jokingly said “magic” with smiles, and then added, “if there’s a computer inside, anything is possible,” suggesting some manual control could be involved.

    Merchandise for Fans

    Regardless, it seems like the American public will have to wait quite a while before the Cybercab can provide ride-share services through Tesla’s dedicated platform on public streets. In the meantime, Tesla is rolling out special merchandise to keep its fans engaged until the launch.

    The Cybercab is now featured in Tesla’s apparel store, with a black T-shirt showcasing its logo and silhouette on the front, and the Tesla wordmark on the back. The Cybercab Tee is priced at $40 and is said to be inspired by the Cybercab launch event to complement its gold exterior.

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  • Tesla CyberCab Display in LA, Chicago, and 3 More Cities This Weekend

    Tesla CyberCab Display in LA, Chicago, and 3 More Cities This Weekend

    Tesla is increasing the excitement around its CyberCab by showcasing the vehicle at five new sites throughout the United States this weekend. The company is eager to create interest in its fully self-driving ride-share system. The CyberCab will be open for public viewing at:

    Affordable Pricing and Specs

    Touted as one of the least expensive options from Tesla (excluding the Model Q), the CyberCab is available for less than $30,000. It utilizes only 40% of the components found in the Tesla Model Y while providing the advantage of Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. Elon Musk has continually highlighted the car’s simple two-seater layout, designed to maximize efficiency and low cost. The CyberCab ride-share service will also incorporate redundancy systems similar to those used by Waymo, such as teleoperation. Tesla aims to launch this service in states like California and Texas, where regulations concerning autonomy are more lenient.

    A Strategic Move for Tesla

    In summary, these new showcases represent another vital step in Tesla’s ongoing effort to make consumers more familiar with its first dedicated self-driving vehicle. While earlier displays have merely piqued public interest (and stirred debate), this upcoming event is intended to further strengthen the CyberCab’s status as a leader in the growing autonomous ride-hailing market. Rivals such as Alphabet’s Waymo and Amazon’s Zoox are working hard to gain a strong foothold. Waymo, in particular, has been broadening its robotaxi offerings in cities like San Francisco and Phoenix.

    Looking Ahead

    As the weekend nears, eager attendees at these locations can witness firsthand what might soon become a significant part of city transport.

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  • Tesla Launches $30,000 Robotaxi with No Steering Wheels or Pedals

    Tesla Launches $30,000 Robotaxi with No Steering Wheels or Pedals

    Tesla has finally unveiled its long-awaited robotaxi, previously known as "Cybercab" and "Robotaxi," at an event on Thursday night. The striking two-seater vehicle features a cutting-edge design, including butterfly doors and wireless charging capabilities. The most notable aspect, however, is that it completely lacks a steering wheel. This vehicle is intended for a future where passengers can sit back and allow the car to manage the driving. Despite this, questions linger about its self-driving abilities. Let’s dive into the specifics.

    Cybercab Makes an Impression

    To kick things off, the Cybercab is certainly a showstopper. It was presented with a gold finish and has a light bar that appears to hold matrix headlights, drawing parallels to the Cybertruck. Moreover, it’s not just the absence of a steering wheel that’s interesting; this model has no pedals or even a rear window. Instead, it depends entirely on cameras and sensors to provide a complete view of its environment. In a dramatic moment, Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, made a grand entrance on stage while seated inside the Cybercab.

    The Interior Experience

    Inside, the atmosphere resembles that of a lounge, and passengers can enjoy generous cargo space thanks to its large hatchback trunk. One of the standout features is the wireless induction charging. This vehicle is the first from Tesla to eliminate the traditional charging port. However, the event didn’t clarify important technical specifics, such as the battery capacity or charging speed. Inductive charging utilizes electromagnetic fields to transfer energy from a pad to the battery, allowing for a cable-free experience. Musk stated, “The robotaxi has no plug. It just goes over the inductive charger and charges. So, yeah, that’s kind of how it should be.”

    Questions About Autonomy

    Now, let’s tackle the main concern — the self-driving technology. Tesla has been claiming fully autonomous driving for several years now, but even models with the “Full Self-Driving (FSD)” package still require human oversight. This raises concerns about the Cybercab’s absence of driver controls. Musk insists that the Cybercab uses the latest Tesla AI5 computer and operates purely on camera systems. He also mentioned plans to enable unsupervised Full Self-Driving in specific areas next year for current models. However, this promise has been repeated for the last five years. Furthermore, data indicates that Tesla must significantly improve its disengagement rates (the instances when a human driver must take over) before unsupervised driving can be realized. Thus, skepticism about Musk’s assertions remains.

    Price and Future Outlook

    Regarding price and release, Musk indicated that production for the Cybercab would start “before 2027,” with an expected cost of under $30,000. However, we must remember that Tesla’s second-generation Roadster, first revealed in 2017, still hasn’t begun series production. Therefore, there’s no assurance that the Cybercab won’t encounter similar delays. The anticipation is high, but only time will reveal if Tesla and Musk can fulfill these commitments.

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