Tesla's New Robotaxi

The vehicles will provide autonomous taxi service starting in 2025

In a typical staged production last night, Elon Musk and Tesla showcased Robotaxi.

The concept is of course great. Taxis and Ubers barely need a driver now, are often undersupplied during events or peak times, and could easily be completed by a robot car. Tesla has had self-driving for a while so it’s no surprise they want to compete with Uber and Lyft now.

The Cybercab, one of the models designed specifically for taxi service, has no steering wheel or pedals. Musk describes it as individualized mass transit. Musk explained that the average cost of mass transport is generally $1 or more per mile vs $0.30 per mile with Tesla’s new vehicles. In the past, he’s hinted that Tesla owners could rent their cars out to become taxis and earn income in the future.

The company expects to launch Robotaxi with Model 3 and Model Y in California and Texas in 2025 with the Cybercab model launching towards the end of 2026.

You’ll be able to buy one for below $30,000.

Musk also showcased a Robovan which he claimed will get the cost of transporting groups down to $0.05 per mile or lower.