At the highly anticipated We, Robot event, held at Warner Bros Studios in Burbank, California, Elon Musk unveiled Tesla’s long-awaited Cybercab, a two-seater, fully autonomous robotaxi. The Cybercab’s futuristic design sets it apart from other Tesla models, featuring no steering wheel, no gas pedal, and striking butterfly doors. This unique vehicle is expected to become available by 2026—or as Musk hinted, “before 2027”—at a price point below $30,000. Additionally, Musk revealed a prototype of the Rovovan, an autonomous vehicle capable of transporting up to 20 passengers, akin to an electric bus, pushing the boundaries of Tesla’s autonomous fleet.
Breaking Down the Cybercab: Design, Interior, and Features
The Cybercab made a bold entrance at the event, showcasing front and rear lightbars, much like the Cybertruck. However, instead of the Cybertruck’s stainless-steel body, the Cybercab prototypes arrived with aluminum body panels painted silver. This decision aligns with Tesla’s goal of making the Cybercab more affordable for mass production. While early concepts hinted at a stainless steel exoskeleton, Tesla opted for aluminum and steel body panels for practical and cost-effective manufacturing.
Though initially speculated to have three wheels, the Cybercab confirmed its four-wheel design, with only the front two wheels handling the steering. Tesla has further enhanced the vehicle’s aerodynamics by covering the wheels with disc-shaped plates, making the sidewalls of the tires appear sleek and slim.
Unlike many Tesla models, the Cybercab lacks the iconic glass roof, opting instead for a simpler metal roof. The windows, too, are framed rather than frameless, enhancing durability and reducing production costs, ideal for the Cybercab’s role as a robotic taxi. Tesla has clearly prioritized affordability and efficiency in the Cybercab’s design, without compromising on futuristic appeal.