Tesla unveiled its long-anticipated robotaxi, the “Cybercab,” an autonomous vehicle without steering wheels or pedals, but the vehicles won’t be available until at least 2026, AP News reports.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed confidence in the company’s autonomous driving technology, despite ongoing doubts about the reliability of Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) software, which has been marketed for nine years. He projected that the Cybercabs would cost under $30,000 and become available in 2026 or early 2027. The company also plans to expand FSD technology to its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in Texas and California next year.
Musk also introduced a self-driving minibus capable of carrying up to 20 passengers, alongside Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots, which are projected to cost between $28,000 and $30,000. The event showcased Tesla’s ambitions in AI and robotics, even as its current electric vehicle lineup faces challenges, with no refresh expected until late next year.
Tesla’s stock fell 9% after the announcement, reflecting investor concerns about the company’s progress in self-driving technology as competitors like Waymo and General Motors have already deployed their own autonomous vehicles.
