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Tesla RoboTaxi Self-Driving Car Costs Less Than $30K

Tesla RoboTaxi Self-Driving Car Costs Less Than $30K

Tesla has introduced its fully autonomous taxi, the Tesla Robotaxi, expected to feature wireless charging and slated for production to begin in 2026. Observers hope that this time the American automaker will meet its deadline without the usual production delays.

Tesla RoboTaxi Self-Driving Car Costs Less Than $30K

The Tesla Robotaxi, a driverless vehicle resembling the Tesla Cybertruck in its design, was unveiled with the promise of affordability. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, indicated that the price of this self-driving vehicle, also referred to as the Tesla Cybercab, would be under $30,000. Production is anticipated to start in 2026, and the car will incorporate wireless charging technology.

In addition to revealing the Robotaxi, Tesla also shared updates on its Optimus humanoid robot and the Tesla Robovan, a fully autonomous truck.

Tesla RoboTaxi Self-Driving Car Costs Less Than $30K

The long-awaited Tesla Robotaxi, alternatively called Cybercab, was finally revealed during a special event held at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. Elon Musk had envisioned this concept years ago, originally promising the arrival of autonomous taxis by 2020. However, in typical Tesla fashion, production timelines shifted to 2024. Back in 2022, Musk had also mentioned that the Robotaxi would feature no steering wheel or pedals, relying entirely on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. Now that the car has been revealed, these details have proven true, with the vehicle lacking traditional controls and featuring a dashboard similar to that of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, equipped with a single central screen.

Tesla RoboTaxi Self-Driving Car Costs Less Than $30K

One notable design choice is that the Tesla Cybercab is a two-door, two-seat hatchback, though images show it with a surprisingly large cargo space and no rear window. Drawing inspiration from the Tesla Cybertruck, the Robotaxi’s design includes similar light bars at the front and rear, unique dihedral doors, and large, disc-shaped wheel caps. A significant innovation is the absence of a traditional charging port, as the vehicle relies on wireless (inductive) charging. Musk, however, did not disclose specifics regarding the car’s powertrain or range. He did mention that the base model would be priced under $30,000, with production set to start in 2026—or, as he half-jokingly put it, before 2027. Musk acknowledged his tendency to be optimistic about timelines, hinting at the usual delays Tesla faces.

Tesla RoboTaxi Self-Driving Car Costs Less Than $30K

While the reveal of the Tesla RoboTaxi was filled with excitement, it remains clear that Tesla must still secure regulatory approval for its autonomous driving system to be operational on public roads. Achieving this would first require Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Supervised (FSD) software to reach a level where it can function without supervision. Musk suggested that this milestone could be achieved as early as next year on updated models, particularly in California and Texas, although that remains to be seen.

Tesla RoboTaxi Self-Driving Car Costs Less Than $30K

Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots also made an appearance at the event. In a surprising moment, the robots performed a dance to Haddaway’s 1990s hit “What Is Love.” Beyond the entertainment, Musk explained that the Optimus robots are expected to become commercially available in the future, with a projected price range of $28,000 to $30,000 in the long run. He envisioned a world where these robots could perform a variety of tasks, from household chores to teaching, or even serving as companions. After the main presentation, the robots mingled with the audience, with some even acting as waiters dressed in cowboy hats, evoking a “Westworld” vibe.

Tesla RoboTaxi Self-Driving Car Costs Less Than $30K

Another futuristic concept unveiled was the Tesla RoboVan. Despite the name suggesting a van, this fully self-driving vehicle looks more like a large boxy transporter, which might be better described as a “RoboBus.”

Musk shared that the RoboVan can carry up to 20 passengers and could also be used for transporting goods. The vehicle is designed with glass windows extending along the sides and the roof, as well as sliding side doors. However, Tesla did not provide any specific details regarding the RoboVan’s range, cost, or launch date. It was hinted that the vehicle could be adapted for either personal or commercial use. Musk confidently stated, “We’re going to make this, and it’s going to look like this.”

 

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