Tag: Tesla Cybercab

  • Cheapest Tesla Model 2 Spotted as Smaller Camouflaged Model Y

    Cheapest Tesla Model 2 Spotted as Smaller Camouflaged Model Y

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla’s main designer downplayed rumors about the budget-friendly Model 2, confirming it’s not just a hot hatchback but a smaller version of the Model Y.
    2. The Model 2 is expected to have impressive specs, including a 250-mile range and a 54 kWh battery, with production likely starting at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas.
    3. Tesla plans to focus on the Model 2 after the release of the Model Y Juniper, with a reveal event possibly in mid-2024 to boost holiday sales.
    4. The Cybercab, a two-seater priced under $30,000, is part of Tesla’s strategy to introduce more affordable vehicles, potentially benefiting from federal incentives.
    5. A disguised vehicle resembling a smaller Model Y may be a prototype for testing or part of Tesla’s upcoming robotaxi platform, set to operate in Austin.

    When Tesla’s main designer, Franz von Holzhausen, mentioned that the rumors about the least expensive Tesla Model 2 were greatly overstated, he was serious.

    New Vehicle on the Horizon

    Tesla has chosen to first reveal the Cybercab, a two-seater made with some parts from the Model Y. Elon Musk has reassured investors during multiple quarterly calls that a new, budget-friendly car is still on schedule for a 2025 launch. Initially, Tesla’s most economical vehicle was referred to as the Model 2 or Project Redwood. Musk explained that it would be a “smaller, for sure” version of the Model Y, rather than a hot hatchback.

    Impressive Specifications

    The expected specifications for the Model 2 are believed to surpass those of the urban-focused Cybercab. This includes a 250-mile range powered by a 54 kWh battery and larger dimensions along with a rear bench seat. Recently, a drone flew over Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas, showcasing various activities at the extensive site, including new production lines and an expanded paint shop. These enhancements are likely aimed at preparing for the upcoming 2026 Model Y Juniper facelift production, scheduled for release next month. However, some of these facilities may also be set aside for initial production of the more affordable Tesla Model 2.

    Exciting Developments

    Interestingly, the drone footage captured a disguised vehicle resembling a smaller Model Y. Now that Tesla has unveiled the Juniper refresh, they have little to hide about the Model Y. The high-performance version of the Juniper is not expected until fall. Once the release date for the Model Y Juniper passes, Tesla can shift its focus towards the Model 2. The reveal event for this budget-friendly vehicle might occur in the second or third quarter. The aim will be to ramp up production for full deliveries during the crucial holiday season, enhancing Tesla’s sales figures with the anticipated Model 2.

    The Cybercab is projected to be priced under $30,000, and the Model 2 could follow suit, especially with potential federal incentives, making it very appealing to buyers. Tesla might hold off on launching it until at least the fourth quarter to avoid impacting Model Y Juniper sales.

    Potential Uses for the Disguised Vehicle

    Alternatively, the compact-looking vehicle that resembles the Model Y could just be an illusion or a test prototype for various engineering tests. Elon Musk has mentioned that Tesla plans to introduce its robotaxi platform with owned vehicles operating on unsupervised FSD in Austin this June, suggesting that this camouflaged vehicle could also be part of that pilot program.

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  • Tesla Robotaxi Can Be Controlled Manually with Gamepad Like PlayStation

    Tesla Robotaxi Can Be Controlled Manually with Gamepad Like PlayStation

    Dubbed the PlayStation car, the Afeela EV from the partnership between Sony and Honda isn’t the only vehicle that can be driven using something similar to a DualSense or Xbox controller, as seen with the “driverless” Tesla Cybercab.

    Afeela’s Debut at CES

    Earlier this year at the CES expo, the CEO of the Afeela project, which merges Honda’s automotive skills with Sony’s entertainment and software expertise, showcased their first electric vehicle using a PlayStation 5 controller on stage. It was a striking moment that highlighted the innovative blend of gaming and driving.

    Tesla’s Robotaxi Features

    Meanwhile, while presenting the Cybercab at the Petersen Automotive Museum, the Tesla team also employed a controller to navigate the Robotaxi, which Tesla promotes as the future of driverless transport. The Cybercab, designed for two passengers, is unique as it lacks both a steering wheel and pedals. However, its FSD 13 autonomous driving software struggles with small maneuvers, such as driving up a ramp or weaving around Christmas trees in the museum’s Vault exhibit to reach its intended location.

    The Manual Driving Capability

    This is why the individual operating the Robotaxi during its transport, maneuvering it off its trailer, up the ramp, and around the venue, seemed to be using what onlookers described as an Xbox controller linked to the vehicle’s computer. Although the connection was wired, sources indicated that the Cybercab’s controller can also connect wirelessly, allowing someone to operate it from a distance.

    This opens up a variety of options, especially for the Cybercab’s ride-share service and support teams, or for first responders Tesla is currently training to handle scenarios involving the Robotaxi on public streets. Overall, the idea that the first Tesla vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals is fully autonomous might be a bit of an overstatement, as there is a means to manually drive it in case it gets stuck for any reason.

    Source: Link

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  • Manual Control of Tesla Robotaxi with Gamepad Like PlayStation

    Manual Control of Tesla Robotaxi with Gamepad Like PlayStation

    Dubbed the PlayStation car, the Afeela EV, created by the Sony-Honda partnership, isn’t the only vehicle that can be controlled using a device similar to a DualSense or Xbox controller, as shown by the “driverless” Tesla Cybercab.

    Afeela’s Introduction

    At the CES expo earlier this year, the CEO of the Afeela project, which merges Honda’s car-making skills with Sony’s software and entertainment expertise, showcased their first electric vehicle using a PlayStation 5 controller. This event highlighted how technology and driving could intersect in new ways.

    Tesla’s Innovative Approach

    While the Tesla team was setting up the Cybercab at the Petersen Automotive Museum, they also utilized a controller for positioning the Robotaxi, which Tesla promotes as the future of driverless transport. The Cybercab is a two-seater that lacks both a steering wheel and pedals, yet its FSD 13 self-driving software struggles with small movements like going up ramps or steering around Christmas trees in the museum’s Vault area to reach its display location.

    The individual “driving” the Robotaxi from its trailer, up the incline, and through the museum used what onlookers described as an Xbox controller connected to the car’s computer. Despite the cable connection, sources indicated that the Cybercab’s controller could also connect wirelessly, allowing operation from outside the vehicle, enabling remote driving capabilities.

    Expanding Possibilities

    This development presents numerous opportunities, particularly for the ride-share service and support teams of the Cybercab, as well as for first responders whom Tesla is training to handle scenarios when the Robotaxi is on public roads. Nevertheless, the claim that the first Tesla without a steering wheel or pedals is entirely driverless and autonomous appears to be somewhat overstated; there is indeed a manual driving option if the vehicle encounters difficulties.

    Source: Link

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