Tesla’s Elon Musk looking to launch robotaxi service ‘before 2027’
For more than a decade, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been vocal with his desire to create autonomous ‘robotaxis’ – and the latest developments have led him to announce that they will likely appear before the end of 2027.
Known as the ‘Cybercab’, the program known as ‘We, Robot’ is promoting the brands self-driving and autonomous future within the motoring industry.
Currently, there are only plans to launch in Texas and California in the United States, after lengthy discussions with regulators. Initially, the technology will be used in existing Model 3s and Model Ys.
However, the Cybercab will be a compact, self-driving vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals.
As it will be fully autonomous, passengers will be able to relax, with no control over the vehicle, according to Musk.
Regarding the vehicle itself, aside from confirming that it lacks a steering wheel and pedals, there was little mechanical or technical information provided by Tesla.
The only additional detail given by Musk was that the Cybercab would utilise wireless inductive charging.
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- New law ‘a major step’ towards autonomous vehicles appearing in the UK
According to Tesla, the UK public can see a Cybercab for themselves, as it will be displayed in selected Tesla locations in London in the near future.
There will also be showcases for the Tesla vehicle in Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, Oslo, and Amsterdam.
The first European event for the Cybercab will be in Madrid later this week.
Autonomous ride-hailing in Austin, Texas
In January, Elon Musk informed investors that Tesla plans to launch "autonomous ride-hailing for money" by June in Austin, Texas.
Texas state law currently presents no barriers to Tesla testing a robotaxi service, and autonomous-vehicle companies are allowed to operate on public streets as long as they are registered, insured, and equipped with technology to record data on potential accidents, similar to human-driven vehicles.
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