Tag: Robotaxi

  • Tesla’s New Model Y: First Robotaxi with Rideshare App Preview

    Tesla’s New Model Y: First Robotaxi with Rideshare App Preview

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla’s Robotaxi service will launch with the Model Y, not the more affordable Cybercab or Model 3.
    2. The autonomous Model Y will use the unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature without changes to the existing vehicle design.
    3. Updated Model Y cars will drive directly to customers’ homes once assembled, starting in Austin in June.
    4. The rideshare app for the Robotaxi service is being tested with staff drivers, logging over 15,000 miles in Austin and San Francisco.
    5. Tesla plans to expand the Robotaxi service to multiple U.S. cities by the end of this year.

    Tesla is set to launch its Robotaxi rideshare service, starting with the widely popular Model Y rather than its more cost-effective options like the Cybercab or Model 3.

    Details on the Model Y

    According to Elon Musk, the only distinction between the upcoming autonomous Model Y vehicles and the current ones is that they will operate using the unsupervised version of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature on public streets. “To be clear, the Model Y that we are talking about in being autonomous in Austin in June are the Model Ys we make currently, there’s no change to it,” Musk stated.

    Right now, the freshly manufactured Model Y cars do employ unsupervised FSD, but this is limited to transporting them from the factory to the designated parking areas where they await pickup by delivery trucks.

    Future Plans for the Model Y

    Musk assured that soon the Model Y, alongside other new Tesla models equipped with the HW4/AI4 camera systems and computers, will be able to drive straight to customers’ homes once they are assembled and configured.

    He reiterated that the updated Model Y is “currently on track to be able to do paid rides fully autonomously in Austin in June and then in many other cities in the US by the end of this year.”

    Testing the Rideshare App

    The refreshed Model Y is Tesla’s latest offering, making it an ideal candidate to be the first vehicle in its robotaxi initiative, for which the Tesla AI team recently showcased a ride-hailing app in a video.

    The team is testing the app and refining the new rideshare features using the 2026 Model Y with staff drivers, traveling back and forth in Austin and San Francisco, and has already logged over 15,000 miles on the robotaxi platform.

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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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  • 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 Trains First Responders for Cybercab Challenges on Roads

    Tesla Trains First Responders for Cybercab Challenges on Roads

    Tesla is currently evaluating how to introduce its autonomous Robotaxi in certain cities after reviewing its training sessions with local emergency response teams.

    Engagement with Local Authorities

    Tesla has reached out to city officials in Austin since May, expressing its interest in joining the local autonomous driving regulation task force. This information comes from an official email from the company. Unlike California, Texas lacks a statewide regulatory structure for self-driving cars. Instead, it treats autonomous vehicles like standard cars that must follow general traffic laws, leaving specific regulations up to individual cities.

    Strategic Launch Plans

    Elon Musk has indicated that Tesla is looking to roll out its unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Texas and California first. Texas is appealing because it has no regulations, while California already has rules governing autonomous vehicles. This unsupervised FSD would enable current Tesla models to participate in the Cybercab ride-sharing service, setting the stage for the eventual launch of Robotaxis on public roads.

    Safety Training Initiatives

    Austin has become a key location for testing autonomous vehicles, with companies like Waymo, Zoox, and VW operating there. To enhance safety, the city has formed a task force focused on developing safety guidelines and training for first responders dealing with self-driving cars. Tesla is eager to be involved in these efforts and conducted its initial training session with Austin’s first responders on December 5. The objective of this training is to gather feedback, collect incident data, and create safety protocols for situations involving Tesla’s Robotaxi, which do not have a steering wheel, or a Model Y in unsupervised FSD mode used for Cybercab services.

    Based on the outcomes of the training and feedback from the task force, Tesla will make decisions on how and where to launch its initial fleet of unsupervised FSD vehicles. Initially, Tesla will manage these cars before introducing the Cybercab platform to Tesla owners, allowing them to generate income from their vehicles when they’re not in use, something Musk has been hinting at for some time now.

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  • Tesla Cybercab: Launching Robotaxis and Waymo-like Service

    Tesla Cybercab: Launching Robotaxis and Waymo-like Service

    During an event to announce its Robotaxi initiative, Tesla expressed plans to introduce its most affordable car by 2026, assuming it can navigate all regulatory challenges by that time.

    Limited Launch Plans

    This upcoming release will be a more modest affair compared to the detailed vision of the Cybercab ride-share service shared by Elon Musk and other members of the Tesla team. In various quarterly press briefings, Musk has outlined an extensive ride-hailing network that will feature both Tesla-owned vehicles equipped with pedals and steering wheels, along with the Robotaxi service. Additionally, current Tesla owners will have the opportunity to rent out their Model Y or Model 3 when they aren’t using them, allowing them to earn some extra cash.

    Robotaxi Fleet Details

    The Robotaxi segment of the Cybercab fleet will likely begin with two-seaters that are owned and operated by Tesla. It will include a customer service call center with human operators for added safety, mirroring the approach taken by Waymo. This information was communicated to Deutsche Bank analysts by Tesla’s investor relations head, Travis Axelrod, who noted that the service will initially be available only in California and Texas, where there are either no driverless car restrictions or established regulations.

    Tesla thinks it’s sensible to have some form of teleoperation, at least in the beginning, for safety reasons. The management plans to kick off the service with a fleet entirely owned by the company and will utilize an in-house developed ride-hailing app.

    Future of the Cybercab Service

    It remains unclear if the Cybercab service will feature Model Y, Model 3, and Cybertruck vehicles at launch, or if it will solely consist of Robotaxis. Regardless, it appears that current Tesla owners will only be able to rent their vehicles on the ride-share platform after the company has conducted thorough testing on public roads.

    Moreover, analysts from the bank have confirmed that Tesla might actually pursue the launch of a more affordable car, which Deutsche Bank has named Model Q, in the first half of 2025, as mentioned during Tesla’s last earnings call. Previously known as Model 2, this new vehicle is anticipated to resemble a smaller Model Y and will be priced around $30,000 with potential subsidies, slightly above the Robotaxi, which is expected to be Tesla’s least expensive offering.

    Some suppliers who have collaborated with Tesla have indicated that the Model 2 project was genuine, and Tesla had even shared innovative cost-saving engineering ideas with them before deciding to postpone it in favor of launching the Robotaxi.

    What led to this abrupt shift in strategy and the choice to move forward with the Model 2/Q, despite recent statements suggesting that it wasn’t necessary, is still unclear.

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  • Tesla Robotaxi Launch Possible with New Autonomous Vehicle Rules

    Tesla Robotaxi Launch Possible with New Autonomous Vehicle Rules

    Tesla’s shares have risen following news that Elon Musk’s initiative to deregulate autonomous vehicles could soon be realized with the change in the White House administration next quarter.

    Federal Policy Changes

    The Trump transition team is allegedly working on a national policy framework for autonomous vehicles that would allow them on public roads much more quickly and in greater numbers than what current state laws permit. This initiative might be led by Emil Michael, a former Uber executive, who is a candidate for the position of Transportation Secretary. The new rules from NHTSA are expected to be included in federal legislation, which would feature a bipartisan bill calling on Congress to relax regulations and promote the use of fully autonomous vehicles.

    Musk’s Vision

    During Tesla’s Q3 earnings call, Elon Musk shared his reasoning for supporting the Trump campaign and taking on a significant role in the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

    He stated that there should be a national approval process for autonomous vehicles, explaining that this is how the FMVSS has functioned. "Federal Motor Vehicle regulations are federal," he said. "We need a national approval system. There’s a department of government efficiency, and I’ll do my best to assist in making that a reality. This is for everyone, not just Tesla. Some aspects in the U.S. are handled state by state, like insurance, and it’s really tough to manage that across all 50 states. A streamlined approval process for autonomy is necessary."

    The Robotaxi Innovation

    The Robotaxi is an entirely autonomous electric vehicle designed for two passengers, lacking pedals or a steering wheel. It can travel about 200 miles on a single charge, however, it cannot be recharged at home using a Tesla wall connector or at a Supercharger, as it is the first Tesla model to feature induction charging capabilities.

    Tesla has chosen not to pursue a more traditional $25,000 electric car, known as the Model 2, instead opting to stake its future on affordable autonomous vehicles like the Robotaxi. If Musk’s efforts to push for deregulation succeed and become law, this strategy could prove to be a wise investment for the company.

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  • Tesla Unveils New Robotaxi Design in Daylight for First Time

    Tesla Unveils New Robotaxi Design in Daylight for First Time

    Tesla is hosting a Frunk or Treat event for Halloween weekend at its Gigafactory in Texas, and there are some exciting exclusives to check out, including one of the first crash-tested Cybertrucks.

    Driverless Innovation

    Another notable feature is the driverless Robotaxi, which Tesla demonstrated as it navigated without a steering wheel or pedals around the Warner Bros. studio during a special event.

    The event kicked off in the evening, and by the time the keynote presentation wrapped up, the sun had already set, meaning all the demonstrations with the approximately 20 Robotaxi units took place in the dark.

    Futuristic Appearance

    This nighttime setting gave the Robotaxi a silvery, futuristic look similar to the Cybertruck, even though it’s not crafted from stainless steel for budget and weight considerations, but instead is made of aluminum alloy panels that are painted to achieve that appearance.

    Interestingly, when the Robotaxi was displayed in bright daylight during the lovely sunny weather at Giga Texas, its shimmering finish appeared more golden than the silver-like look associated with the Cybertruck’s stainless steel.

    Typically, daylight can make things appear less appealing than under the stars, yet the Robotaxi maintained its futuristic vibe just as it did during the launch event.

    Design Features

    While its lines might not appear as sharp, they are instead more sculpted, and the rear light bar, which the refreshed Model Y Juniper is also expected to feature, glows brightly even when the sun is shining.

    The Robotaxi showcases a design that feels quintessentially Tesla, crafted by Franz von Holzhausen, particularly at the front, with Cybertruck-style light bars added for an extra touch.

    The 21-inch wheels are fitted with Continental tires that are partially painted in the cap’s color, creating an illusion of larger size and effectively emphasizing the futuristic aesthetic while keeping production costs in check.

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  • Robotaxi Remains Tesla’s Cheapest Car Amid Model 3, Y Price Cuts

    Robotaxi Remains Tesla’s Cheapest Car Amid Model 3, Y Price Cuts

    Tesla has decided to abandon the idea of the Model 2, which was intended to be its most budget-friendly vehicle, with a starting price of around $25,000 after incentives.

    Instead of launching this vehicle in 2026 as earlier speculated, Tesla will now focus on introducing the fully autonomous Robotaxi, which will fall within that same price bracket.

    Elon Musk’s Insights

    During the Q3 earnings call, Elon Musk stated that offering a Model 2 would be “pointless” since the company is moving forward with the autonomous Robotaxi, which he mentioned would be priced below $30,000. However, it isn’t clear if this figure refers to the price before or after incentives. Musk mentioned, “it’ll cost on the order of roughly $25,000, so it is a $25,000 car,” implying it might be after federal tax credits and other incentives.

    Earlier in the call, he indicated that the Robotaxi’s price would be “with incentive sub-30k, which is kind of a key threshold.” This means that a $25,000 price point fits well within that range, making both statements appear to align with each other.

    Comparison to Current Models

    Moreover, Tesla currently has a vehicle that is somewhat under $30,000; the base Model 3 RWD is priced at $29,990 after “estimated incentives of $7,500 and 5-year gas savings of $5,000.” Since similar incentives will apply to the Robotaxi, Tesla would need to price it significantly lower than the Model 3, making the $25,000 price tag more reasonable. Given that the Robotaxi will feature only two seats and a compact 40 kWh battery offering a 200-mile range, its production costs are expected to be less than those of a Model 3, making a post-incentive price of $25,000 quite feasible.

    Elon also mentioned that the manufacturing speed of the Robotaxi/Cybercab will surpass anything currently available, which will further help to cut down its per-unit costs:

    “It’s especially not just a revolutionary vehicle design, but a revolution in vehicle manufacturing that is also coming with the Cybercab. The cycle time, like, the, the units per hour of the Cybercab line is – like, this is just really something special. I mean, this is probably a half order of magnitude better than other car manufacturing lines. Like not in the same league is what I’m saying.”

    Future Strategies

    This is why, rather than introducing an inexpensive Model 2, Tesla will aim to reduce the prices of its popular vehicles such as the Model Y and Model 3. The anticipated $25,000-$30,000 price range will be filled by the Robotaxi.

    Lars Moravy, Tesla’s engineering head, also expressed that the company’s “mission has always been to lower the cost of our vehicles to increase the adoption of sustainable energy and transport,” emphasizing that “part of that is lowering the cost for current vehicles.”

    To achieve this, Tesla aims to produce the most affordable EV batteries in the US next year, which could lead to lower prices for the Model 3 and Model Y. Reports indicate that Tesla is working on four different 4680 battery designs using a cost-saving dry cathode method for the Cybertruck, Model Y, Model 3, and ultimately, the Robotaxi, ensuring they remain competitive in pricing.

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  • Tesla Robotaxi: 93% Wireless Charging in Just One Second

    Tesla Robotaxi: 93% Wireless Charging in Just One Second

    Tesla’s 2023 purchase of the German engineering group from Wiferion has led to an impressive 90%+ efficiency in wireless charging for the Robotaxi, it appears.

    Wireless Charging Developments

    During a Cybertruck test drive with Jay Leno, Tesla’s chief designer revealed that the company is developing a wireless charging solution for its vehicles, which is said to be referred to as Project Garfield internally. Franz Von Holzhausen mentioned that utilizing this system will feel like "you just pull up in your garage, drive over the pad, and you’re charging."

    Efficiency Claims

    Wiferion’s technology boasts an efficiency of 93%, and Tesla recently had to correct MKBHD’s comments which suggested the Robotaxi’s inductive charging would have at least a 25% energy loss, clarifying that "it is well above 90%." Elon Musk added his thoughts, stating that "there is no meaningful efficiency difference between inductive and conductive charging if the system is designed right" and pointed out that "there is always an inductor somewhere in the charge circuit!"

    Charging Pads and Specifications

    Currently, Wiferion offers wireless charging pads akin to Apple’s MagSafe charger, designed for industrial use with "efficiency of up to 93% during the transfer of energy." These pads allow access from any angle, and charging initiates within a second. Wiferion also outlines features that may be beneficial for the Robotaxi, including an IP68 water-resistance rating for outdoor use. It remains uncertain if the Robotaxi will adopt similar technology, but it is expected to deliver more power than the 3 kW provided by Wiferion’s pad, which is tailored for industrial forklifts.

    With this technology, achieving 90% charging efficiency means the Robotaxi’s 40 kWh battery would require nearly 15 hours to fully charge. However, Tesla’s wireless charging solution is anticipated to be significantly more powerful. In a demonstration of the Robotaxi’s wireless charging, the pad displayed a charging speed of 25 kW, allowing for a recharge of the Robotaxi’s battery to cover another 200 miles in under two hours.

    Future Prospects

    Wiferion has not disclosed the specific proprietary technology that enables such extraordinary inductive charging efficiency. Additionally, it will be intriguing to see what type of 4680 cells the Robotaxi will utilize since Wiferion also provides specialized batteries for industrial wireless charging that offer "longer operating time, lifespan, and faster charging time, along with exceeding recharge efficiency."

    Reportedly, the Robotaxi will feature one of the several 4680 battery cell types Tesla is developing for its most sought-after electric vehicles, including the Model Y, Model 3, and Cybertruck. Mass production of these 4680 cells is anticipated to start in 2026, coinciding with Tesla’s expected launch of the Robotaxi, contingent on smooth regulatory approvals, which is a significant "if," especially considering the recent NHTSA investigation into Tesla’s FSD performance.

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  • Tesla’s Optimus Bots Walked and Danced at Robotaxi Event

    Tesla’s Optimus Bots Walked and Danced at Robotaxi Event

    One of the key Tesla engineers involved in the Optimus robot initiative shed some light on how the Tesla Bots behaved during the unveiling of the Robotaxi.

    As Elon Musk hinted that the Optimus robots would be mingling among guests and even serving drinks at the bar after the event, it appears that their ability to perform more intricate tasks was somewhat exaggerated.

    Insights from Tesla’s Engineer

    Milan Kovac, the engineer behind the Tesla Bot, explained that the roughly twenty Optimus units showcased at the event were able to walk and dance independently for four hours. However, when it came to handling more complex functions, the robots didn’t use any mysterious AI to determine who ordered how many drinks; they were actually "human-assisted." This should not come as a surprise.

    Throughout the event, about 20 bots were constantly active—navigating through a busy crowd, dancing, snapping selfies, and even serving drinks and snacks. While they were indeed assisted by humans to some degree to illustrate our vision for a fantastic future, they managed to walk, balance, and dance on their own for approximately four hours, with only one minor incident (a handbag got in the way of a bot’s movement).

    A Showcase of Innovation

    Overall, it was an impressive display, especially when combined with other announcements like the Cybercab and the self-driving minibus.

    The primary goal of featuring the Tesla Bot was to highlight the advancement in the robotic hand’s capabilities, which increased from 11 degrees of freedom to 22. This change significantly enhances the tactile sensing abilities of the robots. Additionally, the demonstration showcased the autonomy and balance of the Tesla Bots.

    Creating appealing demonstration videos is challenging, but ensuring safe, live functioning of numerous humanoid robots for hours in a public outdoor setting set a much higher standard. This effort led to major advancements in full-body control, locomotion, hardware stability, and overall infrastructure.

    Future Prospects

    Nevertheless, the Optimus bots observed pouring drinks with rather slow and careful motions, as well as interacting with attendees, were all under the guidance of human operators. This suggests that Elon Musk’s vision of having an Optimus as a personal butler for $30,000 each is still quite a way off.

    Kovac did hint at some major progress in the autonomy of the Tesla Bots that the company has made, and he teased that more information will be shared with the robot-enthusiast public "soon."

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