Tesla is expected to unveil a robotaxi tonight: 5 things to know
NPR Online NewsOCT 2 2024
Elon Musk Thursday arrived in a "Cybercab" on a Warner Bros stage in Burbank, California, introducing Tesla's 2-door taxi that, he said, will be priced at less than $30K.
Production of the gull-wing door-fitted self-driving cabs will start in 2026. At event titled "We, Robot," Musk even proclaimed: "The autonomous future is here."Production of the gull-wing door-fitted self-driving cabs will start in 2026. At the event titled "We, Robot," Musk proclaimed: "The autonomous future is here."
Musk reportedly did not give out details of where the taxi with no steering wheels or pedals will be produced — or about regulatory approvals or a business plan.
Tesla's robotaxi announcement is a game-changer for the transportation industry. With millions of Tesla vehicles already on the road, the company has a massive advantage in data collection and real-world testing. The potential for Tesla owners to earn passive income by adding their cars to the robotaxi fleet could revolutionize car ownership and ride-hailing services.
Tesla's robotaxi plans are overly ambitious and potentially dangerous. The company's track record of missed deadlines and exaggerated claims about its self-driving technology raises serious concerns. Without using lidar and other advanced sensors, Tesla's camera-only approach may not be sufficient to ensure passenger safety in all driving conditions.