Summary
- Tesla "We, Robot" event lacked details on Cybercab
- Longtime shareholder Matthew Donegan-Ryan spoke with Tesla executives for more insights
- Cybercab will not have steering wheel and pedals to focus on Robotaxi
- Production to start in Giga Texas, will share parts with Model 3 and Model Y
- All Teslas with Hardware 3 or 4 can function as robotaxis without retrofitting
Article
The recent Tesla “We, Robot” event left many attendees wanting more details about the Cybercab, which was the highlight of the occasion. However, some Tesla staff and executives were reportedly willing to share some insights into the upcoming vehicle. Longtime Tesla shareholder and owner-enthusiast, Matthew Donegan-Ryan, had the opportunity to speak with Tesla Design Chief Franz von Holzhausen and Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy after the event, where they provided some additional details about the Cybercab not mentioned in Elon Musk’s presentation.
One of the key takeaways from the discussions with the Tesla executives is that there are no plans to make a Cybercab with a steering wheel and pedals. Instead, Tesla is focusing on the potential of the Robotaxi to revolutionize the way people commute. The production of the Cybercab is set to start in Giga Texas, with plans to share parts with the Model 3 and Model Y to streamline production. The vehicle’s cameras will be similar to those in other Tesla models, with the addition of a front bumper camera for better visibility.
Interestingly, Donegan-Ryan mentioned that all Tesla vehicles running Hardware 3 or Hardware 4 will be able to function as Robotaxis without the need for any additional hardware retrofitting. This claim was confirmed by von Holzhausen and Moravy in a video interview with Tesla owner Kim Java. The Cybercab will not bear any Tesla logos, following the same branding strategy as the Cybertruck, as its design will be enough to identify it as a Tesla vehicle.
The Cybercab will feature a minimalist interior design with just three physical buttons for essential functions, with all other controls accessible through the touchscreen. The vehicle will not be made with steel like the Cybertruck to reduce costs, and its inductive charging system could prove to be cost-effective due to fewer materials and cabling requirements. The executives were reportedly very excited and positive about the Cybercab during the event.
Overall, the insights shared by Tesla staff and executives shed light on some key details about the upcoming Cybercab, including its production plans, shared technology with existing Tesla models, and autonomous capabilities for current Tesla vehicles. The decision to forgo Tesla logos and streamline the vehicle’s design and production process demonstrates Tesla’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in the electric vehicle market. The Cybercab is poised to become a significant player in the future of autonomous transportation and could revolutionize the way people think about commuting.
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