WASHINGTON: Elon Musk introduced what he described as a self-driving robotaxi, predicting it would be available by 2027—nearly a decade after he initially promised an autonomous vehicle.
The Tesla CEO stated that this fully electric car, which lacks a steering wheel and pedals, would be priced under $30,000, feature wireless inductive charging, and be “10 to 20 times safer” than vehicles driven by humans.
Musk envisioned the car as a “little lounge” in an autonomous future. “You’re just sitting in a comfortable lounge, doing whatever you want, and when you get out, you’ll be at your destination,” he explained to an audience at Warner Brothers Studio near Los Angeles.
While details about the vehicle were limited, its gullwing doors echoed the design of the iconic DeLorean from the “Back to the Future” films. Musk noted that Tesla already has 50 of these prototypes. He also mentioned plans to launch “fully autonomous, unsupervised” driving in Texas and California next year with existing models, before progressing to production of the “cybercab.” “I tend to be a little optimistic with timeframes, but in 2026, definitely before 2027,” he added.
Robotaxi
Tesla showcased about 20 Cybercabs at the event, allowing attendees to take rides within the studio lot rather than on Los Angeles streets. The presentation, titled “We, Robot,” was streamed live on Tesla’s website and X. Musk also revealed a sleek minibus-like vehicle that would be self-driving and could carry up to 20 passengers.
The event featured several black and white Optimus humanoid robots, which walked a few feet and displayed dance moves in a futuristic gazebo. Musk estimated these robots would cost between $28,000 and $30,000 and could perform tasks like babysitting, mowing lawns, and fetching groceries. “Whatever you can think of, it will do,” he claimed.
The introduction of the Cybercab comes as Musk seeks to convince investors that Tesla is evolving into a leader in artificial intelligence and robotics, amid challenges in selling its aging lineup of electric vehicles.
This announcement also arrives as U.S. safety regulators investigate Full Self-Driving and Autopilot, raising concerns about their systems for ensuring driver attention.
