Tesla’s two-seat Cybercab won’t be the only purpose-built vehicle in Tesla’s robotaxi fleet. Following a visit to Tesla’s Fremont factory and meetings with its Investor Relations team, JPMorgan said Tesla reiterated that the Cybercab is only the initial form factor for robotaxi, and that additional vehicle types are expected as the platform develops. Tesla specifically mentioned the Robovan unveiled at its 2024 We, Robot event as an example.
Multiple Robotaxi Vehicle Types
Cybercab is designed to move one or two passengers at the lowest cost possible. Tesla has said the two-seater should account for most of its autonomous vehicle volume because most trips involve very few occupants.
But Tesla already sees uses that Cybercab cannot cover. Tesla’s words are interesting. They mention Robovan as an example, meaning that there will likely be several other vehicle types. Tesla recently secured a U.S. design patent for the Robovan, meaning that it’s still a part of its plans.
What we’ll likely see are vehicle types between Cybercab (aimed at low-cost transportation) and Robovan. We could see more luxurious vehicles, or a van that fits somewhere between the Cybercab and Robovan.
Specialized Vehicles
Removing the need for a driver changes how a vehicle can be designed. Cybercab focuses on inexpensive transportation, but other autonomous vehicles could prioritize passenger capacity, comfort, or a particular use.
That could eventually create room for vehicles designed around sleeping, working, or traveling with groups. Interiors could feature opposing seats, larger displays, or work surfaces instead of the traditional driver-focused layout that the Cybercab uses.
Tesla has already explored some of these ideas with Robovan. The vehicle can be configured for passengers or cargo, and Tesla has discussed uses such as an autonomous RV. Tesla AI Director Ashok Elluswamy previously responded to a request for an autonomous RV by pointing to Robovan.
Different vehicle designs could theoretically let riders select a vehicle based on what they need for a particular trip. Maybe they want to sleep on a cross-country trip, or work on the way to a conference.
Are the Rumored Upcoming SUVs Robotaxis?
Reuters reported earlier this year that Tesla was developing a new, smaller SUV, reportedly around 1.7 feet shorter than a Model Y. While it’d be smaller than Tesla’s best-selling vehicle, it would still be noticeably larger than the Cybercab and allow at least four passengers.
Separately, Elon Musk has repeatedly hinted at a larger vehicle that could fill the space above Model Y when asked about three-row seating. However, it’s not clear whether he was possibly referring to the Model Y L at the time.
Tesla’s statement that additional robotaxi form factors will follow Cybercab raises several questions. Will these new vehicles only be available as self-driving vehicles, and is Tesla’s future as a services company?
