Tesla has recently revealed its latest innovation in the world of autonomous vehicles: the Cybercab robotaxi. However, the announcement also included a surprise—the introduction of a larger Robovan robotaxi.
While the Cybercab is designed as a compact, two-seater ideal for navigating urban environments, the Robovan boasts the ability to accommodate up to 20 passengers, making it a suitable option for services that rely on high-capacity vehicles like minibusses.
During the unveiling, Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, predicted that the Robovan could achieve a cost of 5-10 cents per mile per passenger, though the specifics of this estimate were not provided. Both the Cybercab and Robovan will be available to private buyers and fleet operators, but Tesla did not disclose details about the pricing or release date for the Robovan. It is expected to launch after the Cybercab, which is set for release in 2026 with a starting price under $30,000.
The design of the Robovan draws inspiration from the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s, and Musk has indicated that the production model will retain this aesthetic. Despite its low ride height, which may raise practical concerns, Musk also mentioned that different versions of the Robovan tailored for cargo transportation are in the pipeline.
Notably, both the Cybercab and Robovan are devoid of traditional controls like a steering wheel and pedals. This is a bold move, as Tesla’s current Full-Self Driving (FSD) system is still classified as Level 2 on the SAE scale of autonomous driving capabilities. Level 3, which allows a car to operate without constant human supervision, has so far only been achieved by Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot system. Musk stated that Tesla’s Autopilot with FSD is expected to operate without supervision starting next year, though this will initially be limited to California and Texas.
In the future, Tesla plans to introduce the Tesla Network, an Uber-like service in which these robotaxis will be deployed. Owners of Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD will have the option to add their cars to the network, potentially earning revenue through ride-sharing. Musk previously hinted that Tesla might take a 25-30% share of the earnings from this service.