Tesla revealed its self-driving robotaxi, now called Cybercab, at an event in October. It’s completely autonomous, with no pedals or steering wheel, and only has seating for two. It looks cool, though, definitely sleeker and smoother than the Cybertruck, if not as futuristic as the Cybervan that bowed at the same event.
Shortly after the unveiling, though, Tesla shareholders mirrored the complaints of enthusiasts who felt like there were too few details offered about the Cybercab. We didn’t know which markets it would launch in, we didn’t get a specific timeline, and we didn’t get detailed production figures. We got ballpark ideas, like that it could be produced as early as 2026 (we won’t hold our breath), will cost less than $30,000 (ibid), and will be produced in large numbers. But now we’ve learned just a little more about the Cybercab, thanks to a new video on YouTube.
50-Percent Fewer Parts Than A Model 3
At an event organized by the Tesla Owners Club of Silicon Valley, Tesla showcased the new Cybercab and a Tesla Engineer gave a presentation about the little electric taxi. In the video published by Mario Herger, the engineer answered some burning questions about the Cybercab. First, why just two seats? He said it’s about efficiency, and that 82% of miles driven are with two or fewer passengers. Having just two seats makes the car smaller, lighter, and more aerodynamic, and — importantly for any vehicle for hire — it makes it easier to clean.
But it is also more efficient in terms of production. It doesn’t just have half the rows of seating as a Model 3. The engineer said the Cybercab will have “roughly half the parts of a [Model] 3 today.”
Other Details About The Cybercab
Although there is no steering wheel or pedals — or much of anything at all, for that matter — inside the Cybercab, there is a screen. The car still needs some way for passengers to interface with it, and it also serves as a source of entertainment. In this case, it is a 21-inch screen, which is the biggest that Tesla has ever put into any of its cars. He says that it can be used to project media from your phone or play games, and that it has the same resolution as the screen in the Model 3 and Model Y.
The Cybercab has a mighty large trunk. The engineer didn’t state specific volume figures, but he said that the trunk of the Cybercab can carry multiple golf bags, or two full-size bags plus two carry-ons, or some bikes, or even a foldable wheelchair.
“We’re really putting a lot of emphasis on having a large trunk space that’s easy to clean,” he said.
It’s currently running on the V13 version of Tesla’s Full Self Driving software. This is the version that has been released to members of Tesla’s invite-only Early Access Program, and includes features like “Hurry Mode,” as well as the ability to shift between Park, Drive, and Reverse on its own, and find a parking space at its destination.
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